羅格斯大學新伯朗士威校區(qū)

Imagine studying the sexual reproduction process of fruit flies to gain a better understanding of the causes of human disorders such as infertility and Down syndrome. Or what about using genetic screening to understand how sensory experience, environment, and age impact the nervous system? This research is currently happening at Rutgers, and you can be part of it!

Genetics is the study of heredity; how the characteristics of living things are transmitted from one generation to the next. As an undergraduate, you’ll conduct research with renowned scientists with a goal of understanding and contributing to advances in genetics of humans and model organisms. Many research areas focus specifically on identifying genes that cause diseases in humans. Areas of instruction include Mendelian, molecular, evolutionary, statistical and mathematical genetics. You’ll not only learn the terms, concepts, and theories underlying the field of genetics, but you’ll also be able to use what you have learned to critically analyze published research as well as conduct your own research. Many of our students are authors on papers published in leading scientific journals.

An undergraduate major in genetics is offered by the Department of Genetics within the Division of Life Sciences. Students in this major have the opportunity to participate in research and learn how discoveries in science are made. Courses cover a wide range of topics, from molecular genetics to genomics and bacterial physiology. Students will learn to design experiments, carry out research using the appropriate laboratory techniques and analyze and interpret data. They also learn to communicate their discoveries through a written article appropriate for publication in a peer-reviewed Genetics journal, and through talks or posters appropriate for scientific meetings. This course of study prepares students for careers in biological research, biotechnology, and the health professions.

Most graduating majors attend graduate or professional school (medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, etc.) or obtain a technical position doing research in industry or in an academic institution. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities. Job opportunities are substantially enhanced for students with other marketable skills such as computers, mathematics or language. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many technician jobs in the medical field, lab/research assistant positions, or testing jobs. An advanced degree is required for most other positions in the scientific and medical research fields.