Requirements
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to major in the Department of Genetics must have been enrolled at Rutgers University for at least one semester and have earned a "C" or better in six courses: Introductory Biology (two courses) , General Chemistry (two courses) and the two Math courses. A grade of "C" or better in courses credited toward the major is required for graduation.”
To declare the Major, a student should go first to his/her college Dean's office to fill out the appropriate paper work. To complete your registration please fill out the Student Information Form (see Appendix 1) and deliver it to the Undergraduate Office at Nelson Biol. Labs Building (Busch Campus) B wing, Room B-416. All students must obtain the declaration of major from their Dean and have it signed (approved) by the Department of Genetics. This approval can be obtained from Dr. Terry R. McGuire, Vice Chair of Undergraduate Education. Forms to be signed should be dropped off and picked up in the Undergraduate Departmental Office.
All communication with students will be conducted electronically, so you should make sure the Department knows your current email address (Student Information Form.) If you change your email or want to use an alternative email address (e.g., aol, yahoo, hotmail), please notify Kathleen McDonald.
Requirements for the Major
The Department offers a single major. All students in Genetics must take the course sequence of:
Genetic Analysis I (447:384) - to be given in the Fall SemesterSuccessful completion of both Genetic Analysis I and Genetic Analysis II are required to fulfill the introductory Genetics requirement. Both courses may be used to fulfill the Genetics requirement for the biological sciences major (which would normally be fulfilled by Genetics 447:380).
Genetic Analysis II (447:385)- to be given in the Spring Semester.
In addition to Genetic Analysis I and II, all students are required to take four (4) additional courses:
694:301 Introduction to BiochemistryNote: Both 403 and 404 should be taken by all of the students.
447:315 Introduction to Research in Genetics
447:403 Seminar in Genetics
447:404 Seminar in Genetics.
Students must complete an additional 18 credits. All student are required to take a minimum of 6 credits of independent scholarship (Research - various courses) or Advanced Independent Study. This 6 credits of independent scholarship must be taken over two semesters with a single advisor. Students must also complete 6 credits of electives courses from the approved list. The remaining six credits may be either courses from the approved list of electives or additional research independent scholarship.
There are obviously alternative ways through the Genetics major. One student might enter a research laboratory in her Junior year and complete 12 credits of research (3 per semester) for two years. This would be equivalent to the Department's old Option A. Another student might work with a faculty member during his Senior year to develop educational software for Genetics (6 credits of Advanced Independent study). This would be equivalent to the Department's old Option B. Another student might complete a year of research in their Junior year and then a year of Advanced Independent Study developing informational websites. Each student has a faculty advisor and can develop their individualized major.