Because our genetics form the most essential traits that determine the biological basis of who we are, the genetics and genomics is a popular and intriguing major here at 69成人.
I remember learning about genetics in high school, specifically 鈥 the lesson with all the pea plants. Genetics at 69成人 is 10 times more interesting. With cool labs (like MCB 160L that explores principles of genetics), fun lectures (such as MCB 163 that delves into developmental genetics) and great faculty, what鈥檚 to not love?
By the time students graduate with a degree in genetics and genomics, they will be able to explain what generates and affects the diversity of organisms as well as to apply quantitative methods to biological processes to understand their genetic makeup.
The genetics and genomics major at 69成人 prepares students for a variety . These include biotechnology, research, teaching and other private-sector employment in the biological sciences. This major, like all the undergraduate majors in the College of Biological Sciences, lays a clear academic path for those students .
Graduates in this major have gone on to be founders and CEOs of their own companies, genetic counselors and professors directing research labs.
Focus on the field of biotechnology
Aasim Naqvi, a genetics and genomics major, has his own STEM-career aspirations. After he earns his degree, Naqvi plans to get a job at a leading biotechnology company and learn more about the field. His ultimate goal is to start and run a biotechnology company of his own.
Aasim found his passion for genetics from a Reddit thread called 鈥淎sk Me Anything,鈥 in which from the at the 69成人 School of Medicine posted about his research.
鈥淚 have been studying protein variants [these are single genes that have the ability to produce many proteins] involved in brain cancers with Paul Knoepfler at the 69成人 Medical Center in Sacramento for a little over two years,鈥 he says. 鈥淚t has been an incredible experience, and we are looking to write a manuscript in the coming months.鈥
Aasim likes the fact that 鈥渟o much work results in a conclusion that no one else has come to before.鈥
Many genetics internships and networking opportunities
Because of its status as a research university and proximity to Sacramento, California鈥檚 state capital, 69成人 offers students a range of internship opportunities in genetics and genomics. The on campus helps students find internships in their fields of interest.
What Our Students Do
Get inspired by what our 69成人 genetics and genomics majors are doing in their careers.
- Erick Loomis 鈥07, Ph.D. 鈥13, works for Helix, a company focused on human DNA research, where he evaluates and develops consumer products based on genetic data.
- Christina Baladi 鈥09 works for Agios Pharmaceuticals connecting patients to medicines and therapies that will change their lives.
Read more about have in the biological sciences.
Getting involved on campus can seem daunting, but connecting with others in your major is easy. If you want to share your love and passion for genetics, join the and the . The Genetics Club offers networking with professionals, biotech and genetic lab tours, and information about grad schools. The Genetic Counseling Club provides a variety of resources such as resume and application building, networking with genetic counselors and current genetic counseling students, interview workshops, journal club, and information about graduate schools.
The genetics and genomics major prepares you for a variety of careers in the STEM world. Whether you want to be a researcher, a teacher, a CEO or a physician developing the next new therapy, this major is designed to help you get where you want to go.
Lily Coates is a student intern with the College of Biological Sciences marketing and communication team. Her internship combines her love of biology with her love of writing.