University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This programme builds a core grounding in genetics within a broader Bachelor of Science framework. In early years you study foundational biological and chemical principles, cell and molecular biology, and introductory genetics. Later years focus on advanced topics such as molecular genetics, genomics and bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, developmental genetics, evolutionary genetics, and laboratory methods.

• Core topics: Mendelian and molecular genetics, gene expression and regulation, DNA replication and repair, population genetics, and evolutionary processes.
• Laboratory skills: molecular biology techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, cloning), next‑generation sequencing principles, cytogenetics, and practical data generation and interpretation.
• Data analysis: bioinformatics, statistical genetics, genomic data analysis and use of relevant software and programming for analysing large datasets.
• Interdisciplinary options: electives may be taken in microbiology, cell biology, plant or animal science, pharmacology, computational biology, and ethical, legal and social implications of genetic technologies.
• Capstone/research project: a final year research project or honours pathway (where available) gives supervised experience in experimental design, laboratory practice, data analysis and scientific communication.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically through completion of secondary school qualifications with a competitive selection rank (such as an ATAR or international equivalent) and meeting prerequisite subjects. Applicants are usually required to have studied high school biology and/or chemistry; mathematics is also strongly recommended.

• Domestic applicants: successful applicants generally present a competitive selection rank and prerequisite science subjects. Performance in relevant subjects and any demonstrated laboratory or research experience can strengthen an application.
• International applicants: admission is based on comparable secondary school credentials. Satisfying the University’s English language requirements (for example IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) is necessary if English is not your first language.
• Pathways: alternative pathways include foundation or pathway programmes and recognised diplomas for applicants who do not meet direct entry requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates in genetics have diverse career options across research, healthcare, industry and government. The degree provides the technical and analytical skills required for laboratory and computational roles.

• Laboratory scientist or research assistant in academic, medical or industrial research laboratories.
• Genetic counsellor pathway (additional postgraduate training required) and allied health roles that work with genetic testing services.
• Bioinformatics or data‑analyst positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, or agricultural genomics firms.
• Roles in agriculture and plant/animal breeding, working on genetic improvement and conservation genetics.
• Further study: honours, postgraduate research (PhD) or professional postgraduate coursework in areas such as molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology, or clinical genetics.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide provides strong research-led teaching in molecular biosciences and genetics, with access to modern teaching laboratories, genomics infrastructure and computing facilities for bioinformatics. Students benefit from links to medical research institutes, agricultural research centres and industry partners in South Australia, offering opportunities for placements and collaborative projects.

Teaching combines practical laboratory classes with theoretical and computational training, and final‑year projects are supervised by researchers active in genetics and genomics. The university’s emphasis on research, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional preparedness helps graduates move into research, industry and clinical pathways.