Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Genetics and Genomics (Major) | BA

  • Genetics and Genomics
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 449
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Major, Credit Intensive
  • Program Summary: 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 and Genomics 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 and complex inheritance, molecular, cancer, computational, statistical, developmental, evolutionary, expression regulation, neuropsychiatric, neurogenetics, population, reproductive, epigenetics, genetics, and genomics. 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.

  • Department Approval with Departmental Meeting

  • Biological Sciences (119), Biomathematics (122), Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146), Exercise Science (377), Genetics and Genomics (449), Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (694), Biochemistry (115), and/or Microbiology (680) may not be combined as double majors or as major/minor combinations.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Students with a Precalculus or Calculus math placement AND College Writing English placement

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    General Biology I 01:119:115 4 Biological Sciences (119)
    General Biology II 01:119:116 4 Biological Sciences (119)
    General Biology Lab 01:119:117 1 Biological Sciences (119)
    General Chemistry I 01:160:161 4 Chemistry (160)
    General Chemistry II 01:160:162 or 01:160:164 (Honors) 4 Chemistry (160)
    Calculus I 01:640:135 or 01:640:151 4 Mathematics (640)
    Calculus II or Statistics 01:640:136 or 01:640:152 or 01:640:192 01:960:401 or 01:960:212 or 01:960:379 3-4 Mathematics (640) or Statistics (960)

     

    Students without a Precalculus or Calculus math placement AND College Writing English placement

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Prep for General Biology 01:119:199 4 Biological Sciences (119)
    Calculus-Based Math/Statistics See department website for options  4 Mathematics (640)

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    General Psychology 01:830:101 3 Psychology (830)
    Introduction to Computer Science 01:198:111 4 Computer Science (198)
    Brain, Mind, and Behavior 01:119:195 3 Biological Sciences (119)
    Introduction to Human Evolution 01:070:102 4 Anthropology (070)
    Intro to Sociology 01:920:101 3 Sociology (920)

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Biological Sciences (119)
      • Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146)
      • Anthropology (070)
      • Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (694)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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