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Major

Genetics

Bachelor of Science
Overview Study details

Genetics is changing the way we investigate diseases, develop medical treatments, protect endangered species and create food security.

Study the genetic basis of traits and complex interactions between genes.

Discover how genetics transforms modern biology through sequenced genomes, computational analysis and molecular analytic tools.

You’ll learn to translate genetic information into meaningful insights that may lead to new discoveries and products to improve lives.

Gain skills to aid the public understanding of the nature of genetic disease.

Evaluate strategies to provide security for agriculture and food production.

Learn to develop breeding programs and conservation strategies to prevent the extinction of endangered species.

Analyse complex biological data using the latest genetic technologies and expand your critical thinking.

Highlights

1 in Queensland for biological sciences

QS World University Rankings 2026

1 in Queensland for life sciences and medicine

QS World University Rankings 2026

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Gene technologies scientist
  • Molecular pathologist
  • Biochemistry and molecular biology researcher
  • Clinical scientist
  • Microscopy facility manager
  • Quarantine officer
  • Clinical genetics scientist
  • Genomics analyst
  • Epidemiologist
  • Plant biotechnology researcher

Average annual salary range

Research Analyst

$105–$120K

seek.com.au

Average annual salary range

Protection Officer

$85K–$105K

seek.com.au

Next steps after graduation

When you graduate, you'll be in high demand by employers for your advanced technical, communication, independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

Studying genetics will prepare you for a broad range of opportunities across ecology, research, medicine and agriculture.

Alternatively, you can further your research ambitions by applying for the 12-month Bachelor of Science (Honours) program.

Find out more about careers that started in science

Davina Paterson

I chose the Bachelor of Science for its flexibility — it really felt like a degree I could tailor to my interests, instead of shaping myself around my degree!

Davina Paterson
Graduate, Bachelor of Science
Davina Paterson

I chose the Bachelor of Science for its flexibility — it really felt like a degree I could tailor to my interests, instead of shaping myself around my degree!

Davina Paterson
Graduate, Bachelor of Science

This Major is available as:

  • Major
  • Extended Major

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Laboratory work

What you'll study

At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:

  • Genes, Cells & Evolution
  • Genetics and Evolution of Complex Traits
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Laboratory Skills in Genetic Research

See courses and program structure

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