Genetics

School/College: CALS


Field of Study

The science of heredity, including Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Possible Careers

Research scientist or technician (university, industry, or agriculture); physician; dentist; veterinarian; public health professional and policy maker; teacher (university, technical, or high schools); genetic counselor; forensic scientist; patent lawyer; pharmaceutical or technical sales person; science writer.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • Undergraduate Genetics Association (UGA).
  • The genetics major prepares students well for professional schools (Medical and Veterinary Science Schools) or graduate school programs.
  • Independent research opportunities are available. A spring freshman seminar course explores areas of specialization within Genetics.

Selected Required Courses

Intro Biology:
Biology 151-152; or Botany 130 and Zoology 101-102; or Biocore
Calculus:
Math 221
General Chemistry:
Chem 103-104; or Chem 109
Organic Chemistry:
Chem 343, 344, and 345
Physics:
Physics 201-202; or Physics 207-208 (preferred)

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

Fall
Chem 103 or 109
Math
Gen Ed Requirement
CALS Freshman Seminar
Spring
Chem 104
Math
Gen Ed Requirement/elective
Genetics Freshman Seminar

Advisor

  • Christopher Day (608-265-2865, cday2@wisc.edu), 2422 Genetics Biotechnology Center
  • Peter Leeds (608-263-4580, pfleeds@wisc.edu) 1428 Genetics Biotechnology Center
  • Jean Petersen (608-265-9285, jmpeter2@wisc.edu), 1426 Genetics Biotechnology Center

Departmental Office