BSc Genetics

7 minute read
BSc Genetics

Scrolling through old pictures, you must have wondered about the uncanny resemblance you have with your family. Being identical to your family is not a mere coincidence rather it happens because of the same genetics which is carried forward from one generation to another. Genetics is amongst the leading and emerging branches of Biology and comprises an in-depth study about the heredity processes and genes of living organisms. If you are interested in knowing the science behind how the biological mechanisms of living bodies work, then you must consider pursuing a BSc Genetics degree. Through this blog, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide on BSc Genetics, top universities offering this course as well as the career scope it encompasses. 

Highlights

Course Name  B.Sc Genetics 
Full Name  Bachelor of Science in Genetics 
Level  Undergraduate 
Duration  3 years 
Eligibility  Minimum 50%-60% in 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
Admission Process  Merit Basis or Entrance Exam
Top Entrance Exams GSAT, DUET
Average cost of study INR 4 lakh (more if planning to study abroad)
Average Salary  INR 4-5 lakh per annum 
Career Options Animal Breeder, Bio Technician, Genetics Laboratory Technician, Clinical Researcher, Geneticist, etc.
Employment Sectors Healthcare Centres, Consultancies, Forensic Departments, Testing Labs, Hospitals, Pharmaceuticals industry

What is BSc Genetics?

BSc Genetics

Bachelor of Science in Genetics is an undergraduate program that focuses on the study of biological variations, mechanism of living bodies, heredity, and how the genes are passed over generations. It is interconnected to various related fields such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Zoology, etc. Usually, the duration of BSc Genetics is 3 years during which you will get to learn the molecular and cellular aspects of genetics, disease development, genetic analysis, and chromosome theory as well as issues related to population and evolution. As it is amongst the major Life Science courses, many universities also design the curriculum of this degree by offering specialisations in varied subjects like Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Evolutionary Biology, Regeneration, amongst others. 

BSc Genetics Syllabus

The B.Sc Genetics syllabus and curriculum revolves around courses that include the study of living organisms’ genes, as well as their body and hereditary variations. They mostly research the history of genetics, its transfusion process, and new developments and techniques in this subject. The following is the semester wise syllabus for the BSc Genetics course:

Semester 1 Semester 2
Microscopy History of Genetics
Model Organisms Multiple Alleles
Scope of Genetics Elements of Biometry
UltraStructure of cells and cells organelles  Law of Segregation 
Cell Cycle and Cell Division Gene Interactions
Practical 1 Law of Independent Assortment
Sex Determination
Biography of Mendel
Semester 3 Semester 4 
Study of types of Drosophila Nucleic Acids
Genetic Problem of linkage and crossing over DNA Replication
Culturing and Handling of Drosophila Chemical Basis of Heredity
Drosophila melanogaster Genome Organization
Study of chromosomes Gene Expression
Salivary Gland Chromosome Mutations
Introduction to Genomics and Proteomics
Bacterial Genetics
Transposable Elements
Semester 5 Semester 6 
Introduction to RDT Development Genetics
Tools of RDT Evolutionary Genetics
Techniques of RDT Population Genetics
Isolation of Gene Biometrical Genetics
Direct gene transfer method
Selection and screening of Recombinant

List of Electives Offered in BSc Genetics

Apart from the core modules, you will also have to study some electives which will broaden your knowledge bank and help you gain important insights in a field that is related to the domain of Genetics. Enlisted are some of the electives you can pursue in the BSc Genetics course:

  • Immunology and Infection
  • Food and Fuel
  • Conservational Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Enzymes and Proteins
  • Ageing and Regenerative Medicine
  • Molecular Recognition
  • Biochemistry
  • Genomics & Bioinformatics
  • Molecular Microbiology

There are numerous academic institutions across the globe and in India that offer BSc Genetics. To help you further in your research, take a look at the below-mentioned list of major universities providing a bachelor of science in Genetics to students around the world and in India:

Global Universities

The table below represents some of the popular universities around the globe that offers BSc Genetics:

University  Location  QS World University Rankings 2023
Curtin University  Australia  NA
University of Tasmania Australia  293
University of Birmingham  UK 91
University of Otago New Zealand  217
Michigan State University  USA  159
Queen Mary University of London  UK 125
University College Dublin  Ireland  NA
University of Essex  UK 465
Aberystwyth University  UK NA
University of Sussex UK 240
The University of Manchester  UK 28
University of York  UK 162

Indian Colleges and Universities 

The table below represnts some of the popular Indian colleges and universities that offer BSc Genetics course:

Universities and Colleges  Location  Admission Process 
St. Ann’s College for Women Hyderabad  Merit-based 
Dayanand Sagar University Bangalore  Entrance based
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology Kolkata  Merit-based 
Institute of Genetic Engineering Kolkata  Merit-based 
Calicut University  Calicut  Merit-based 
Jain University Bangalore  Entrance based
Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce Bangalore  Merit-based 
The Oxford College of Science Bangalore  Merit-based 
AIMS Institute  Bangalore  Entrance based
Dayal Singh College, DU New Delhi  Merit-based 
Chandigarh University Chandigarh  Merit-based 

Entry Requirements

For the students wanting to apply for a BSc Genetics degree, there are certain prerequisites that one needs to qualify. It is necessary for candidates to have completed the minimum schooling of 10+2 with Biology as a core subject in classes 11th and 12th. For those planning to study abroad under this degree, it is mandatory to clear any of the English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc and provide SOP and LOR. Though these are general requirements, students are advised to check the official website of their chosen university to check the eligibility requirements specified for this program. 

The majority of genetics entrance examinations are for postgraduate programs. There are, however, certain entrance examinations for prominent colleges that offer B.Sc Genetics. Here is a list of some of these admission exams:

GSAT JET KCET
GRE MDUCEE DUET
SAT ACT

BSc Genetics Future Scope 

BSc Genetics

There are many study options that are open to BSc Genetics graduates after completing their undergraduate course study. Students can directly opt for post-graduation or doctoral degrees in the field of Genetics. These PG and doctoral degrees will not only be an add-on to your resume and educational qualifications status but will also add a lot of value and experience to life. Some of the further education courses after BSc Genetics are mentioned below:

  • MSc in Genetics 
  • MSc in Human Genetics 
  • MSc (Hons.) Genetics
  • M.Phil in Genetics 
  • PhD in Genetics 
  • PhD in Human Genetics 
Source: Career Talks with Sree

Job Prospects and Career Options 

As a constantly evolving and significant field of study, there are a plethora of opportunities that one can explore after completing a BSc Genetics. Further, if you are interested in the technical field of Engineering and want to blend it with the medical domain of Genetics, then you can also opt for Biomedical Engineering jobs. From Health care centres to biotechnology, one can discover an array of career profiles in a varied range of sectors. Here are some of the work profiles and employment areas that you can choose from, after attaining this degree:

Employment Areas and Sectors

BSc Genetics

A student who has completed BSc Genetics will get the opportunity to work in the following sectors which they can choose according to their preference and interest area:

  • Animal Sciences
  • Animal Breeding Industry
  • Agricultural Firms 
  • DNA Forensics Department
  • Biotechnology
  • Beauty Care Centres
  • Genetics Testing Labs
  • Health Care Centres
  • Food Processing Industries
  • Horticulture
  • Hospitals
  • R&D Institutes
  • Educational Institutions
  • Pharmaceutical Industry

Job Profiles

After completing the BSc Genetics programme, you can explore the following job opportunities:

  • Bio-technician
  • Biotech Sales Engineer
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Genetics Laboratory Technician
  • Genetics Counsellor Cytogenetics Technologist
  • Drug Discovery Engineer
  • Clinical Geneticist
  • Researcher
  • Animal Breeder 
  • Genetic Counsellor
  • Professor 

Note: Graduates are expected to earn around INR 3 lakh to 6 lakh per annum on an average in the beginning after the completion of a BSc Genetics degree. The salary is expected to grow with respect to an increase in educational qualifications, skills, and work experience. The figure can even go up to INR 18 lakh per annum. 

FAQs

What is BSc Genetics?

It is the modification of organisms for the advancement of healthcare, medicine, and agriculture. It is also the process of introducing foreign DNA into organisms.

What is the duration of this course?

The duration of this course is 3 years.

What is the average salary after completion of this course?

The average salary that students can expect after the completion of this course is around INR 3-6 lakhs per annum.

Is BSc Genetics a good course for pursuing a career?

Yes, BSc Genetics is an excellent programme. Because of new advances and approaches in this sector, this course is in high demand among students. Furthermore, after successfully finishing this course, you will be eligible for attractive work opportunities and future career chances.

How candidates can apply for BSc Genetics admission?

Candidates can either appear for entrance exams conducted by a few of the colleges or they can apply on the basis of merit.

We hope that this blog has helped you understand what a degree like BSc Genetics entails. If you are planning to pursue this undergraduate program, reach out to our experienced counsellors and experts at Leverage Edu and we’ll guide you in selecting a suitable combination of program and university that aligns with your interests and preferences and provides you with the necessary knowledge and exposure to build a rewarding career in this emerging field.

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