This program explores how genetic material shapes life — from the cellular level to the population level — and prepares students to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, biomedical research, and agriculture. Genetics and genomics are at the heart of many important issues of the day, including genetic testing, genetic therapies, genome sequencing, evolution, and the genetic engineering of humans, plants, and animals.
Students who major in genetics and genomics take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and introductory genetics, and then delve into specialized genetics topics focused on humans, plants, populations, cancer, biological development, neurology, and epigenetics. They gain laboratory research experiences by taking laboratory courses and conducting independent research projects in faculty labs.
The genetics and genomics major provides a solid foundation for careers in medicine, public health, research, life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, education, law, and science communication — in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Many students choose to pursue graduate and professional studies, including research-focused PhD programs, medical school, veterinary school, and law school. Alumni go on to be physicians, medical directors, genetic counselors, epidemiologists, research scientists, data analysts, plant breeders, veterinarians, professors, teachers, attorneys, and science writers.
Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences
All genetics and genomics majors participate in hands-on research, which equips them with real-world skills valued by graduate and professional schools and employers. In addition to laboratory coursework, students have numerous opportunities to conduct independent research in faculty labs, where they receive mentoring from faculty, staff, and graduate students.
Build community and networks
Students get to know faculty and instructors through small classes, and they can grow their networks by getting involved in student organizations or participating in undergraduate research experiences mentored by faculty. The Undergraduate Genetics Association, a club for students interested in genetics and genomics, provides professional development, volunteer, and social opportunities for members. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization, a club for students interested in genetic counseling, specializes in bringing counseling opportunities and information to undergraduates. Students can also participate in the Genetics and Genomics Peer Mentorship Program, which connects incoming students with those further along in their college careers.
Make a strong start
A course for first-year students introduces new majors to faculty researchers and fellow classmates and makes campus connections. It also prepares them to work in research labs, teaches study skills needed to succeed in college, and provides peer networking opportunities.
Customize a path of study
Students have many options to pursue coursework that meets their career goals. They also may pursue honors in research, an option that includes conducting hands-on research in campus labs.
Gain global perspective
Majors can choose from a variety of study abroad programs including short-term field experiences, summer research opportunities, and semester-long exchange programs at top universities around the world. A study abroad program in Costa Rica specifically tailored for genetics and genomics majors is typically offered each spring and is led by genetics program faculty from UW–Madison. Students can explore studying abroad as a genetics and genomics major by utilizing the Genetics and Genomics Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.
How to Get in
To declare this major, students must be admitted to UW–Madison and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). For information about becoming a CALS first-year or transfer student, see Entering the College.
Students who attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR. Students may otherwise declare after they have begun their undergraduate studies. For more information, contact the advisor listed in the Contact Box for the major.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements
In addition to the University General Education Requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements (General Education and Breadth) or within college requirements (First-Year Seminar, International Studies, Science, and Capstone), but courses counted toward university requirements may also be used to satisfy a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, courses counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.
College Requirements for all CALS BS Degree Programs
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Work: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation. | ||
| Residency: Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree. | ||
| First year seminar | 1 | |
| International studies | 3 | |
| Physical science fundamentals | 4-5 | |
| General Chemistry I | ||
or CHEM 108 | Chemistry in Our World | |
or CHEM 109 | Advanced General Chemistry | |
| Biological science | 5 | |
| Additional science (biological, physical, or natural) | 3 | |
| Science breadth (biological, physical, natural, or social) | 3 | |
| CALS Capstone Learning Experience: included in the requirements for each CALS major (see "major requirements") | ||
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 5-10 | |
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | ||
| Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry I and Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Data Science Modeling I | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 5-9 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Principles I and Chemical Principles II | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3-6 | |
| Elementary Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II 1 | ||
| Physics | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 10 | |
| General Physics and General Physics (recommended) | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics (recommended) | ||
| Biology | ||
| Complete one of the following options: | 10 | |
| Option 1: | ||
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology (recommended) | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| General Botany | ||
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Option 3: | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Cellular Biology | ||
Select two of the following labs: | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| BIOCHEM 501 | Introduction to Biochemistry 2 | 3 |
| or BIOCHEM 507 | General Biochemistry I | |
| Complete one of the following options: | 6 | |
| Option 1: | ||
| General Genetics 1 and General Genetics 2 (preferred) | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Principles of Genetics (consult advisor) | ||
additional 3 credit genetics depth course (see course list below) 3 | ||
| Select 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
| Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Independent Study 4 | ||
| Special Problems 4 | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Coordinative Internship/Cooperative Education | ||
| Genetics Depth | 9 | |
| See course list below | ||
| Genetics Breadth | 6 | |
| See course list below | ||
| Capstone | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-6 | |
| Option 1: | ||
| Communicating Evolutionary Biology (Three-credit version only) 5 | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Developmental Genetics for Conservation and Regeneration (offered in fall semester) 5 | ||
| Option 3: | ||
| Advanced Genetics (offered in spring semester) | ||
| Option 4: | ||
| Genomics and Proteomics (offered in spring semester) 5 | ||
| Option 5 (must be taken concurrently): | ||
| Special Problems (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Companion Research Seminar (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Option 6 (must be taken concurrently): | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Companion Research Seminar (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Total Credits | 65-81 | |
- 1
If CHEM 343 is taken, it must be taken as a part of CHEM 343 & CHEM 345, the latter of which counts as a genetics breadth requirement.
- 2
If BIOCHEM 507 is taken, it must be taken as a part of BIOCHEM 507 & BIOCHEM 508, the latter of which counts as a genetics breadth requirement.
- 3
Additional depth course will not count toward the 9-credit genetics depth requirement.
- 4
Consult with your advisor if genetics-related research will be performed in a department other than genetics.
- 5
May count for genetics depth or capstone, but not both.
Genetics Depth & Breadth Courses
Depth
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GENETICS 520 | Neurogenetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOLOGY 522 | Communicating Evolutionary Biology | 2-3 |
| GENETICS 525 | Epigenetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 527 | Developmental Genetics for Conservation and Regeneration | 3 |
| GENETICS 528 | Banking Animal Biodiversity: International Field Study in Costa Rica | 1 |
| GENETICS 548 | The Genomic Revolution | 3 |
| GENETICS/HORT 550 | Molecular Approaches for Potential Crop Improvement | 3 |
| GENETICS 564 | Genomics and Proteomics | 3 |
| GENETICS/MD GENET 565 | Human Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 566 | Advanced Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 588 | Immunogenetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 605 | Clinical Cases in Medical Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOCHEM/MICROBIO 612 | Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOCHEM/MD GENET 620 | Eukaryotic Molecular Biology | 3 |
| GENETICS/CHEM 626 | Genomic Science | 2 |
| GENETICS 627 | Animal Developmental Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOCHEM 631 | Plant Genetics and Development | 3 |
| GENETICS 633 | Population Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BOTANY/M M & I/PL PATH 655 | Biology and Genetics of Fungi | 3 |
| GENETICS/MD GENET 662 | Cancer Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/MD GENET 677 | Advanced Topics in Genetics | 1-3 |
Breadth
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Science: | ||
| BIOCHEM 508 | General Biochemistry II | 3-4 |
| BIOCHEM/NUTR SCI 560 | Principles of Human Disease and Biotechnology | 2 |
| CHEM 344 | Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 345 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Integrative Biology: | ||
| BIOCHEM/M M & I 575 | Biology of Viruses | 2 |
| BIOCORE 485 | Principles of Physiology | 3 |
| BIOCORE 587 | Biological Interactions | 3 |
| BOTANY/ANTHRO/ZOOLOGY 410 | Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BOTANY/PL PATH 563 | Phylogenetic Analysis of Molecular Data | 3 |
| MICROBIO 303 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 2 |
| MICROBIO 470 | Microbial Genetics & Molecular Machines | 3 |
| MICROBIO/ONCOLOGY 545 | Topics in Biotechnology | 1 |
| MICROBIO 632 | Industrial Microbiology/Biotechnology | 2 |
| M M & I 341 | Immunology | 3 |
| M M & I/PATH-BIO 528 | Immunology | 3 |
| PHM SCI 490 | Selected Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences | 1-4 |
| PL PATH 622 | Plant-Bacterial Interactions | 2-3 |
| PL PATH/M M & I/ONCOLOGY 640 | General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY/ENVIR ST/F&W ECOL 360 | Extinction of Species | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 425 | Behavioral Ecology | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 470 | Introduction to Animal Development | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 555 | Laboratory in Developmental Biology | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 570 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| Agricultural Ecosystems: | ||
| AGRONOMY/HORT 338 | Plant Breeding and Biotechnology | 3 |
| AGRONOMY/BOTANY/HORT 340 | Plant Cell Culture and Genetic Engineering | 3 |
| AGRONOMY/HORT 360 | Genetically Modified Crops: Science, Regulation & Controversy | 2 |
| AGRONOMY/HORT 501 | Principles of Plant Breeding | 3 |
| AGRONOMY/HORT 502 | Techniques of Plant Breeding | 1 |
| AN SCI/DY SCI 361 | Introduction to Animal and Veterinary Genetics | 2 |
| AN SCI/DY SCI 362 | Veterinary Genetics | 2 |
| AN SCI/DY SCI 363 | Principles of Animal Breeding | 2 |
| PL PATH/BOTANY/ENTOM 505 | Plant-Microbe Interactions: Molecular and Ecological Aspects | 3 |
| Computational Biology: | ||
| B M I/COMP SCI 576 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIOCHEM 570 | 3 | |
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the transmission of genes and chromosomes between cells during cell division and within pedigrees over generations.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of how information encoded in DNA can be mutated, epigenetically modified, transcribed into RNA, and translated for protein production, enabling this information to orchestrate the activities of cells singly or collectively throughout development in multicellular organisms.
- Predict the impact of the forces of mutation, natural selection, chance, and genetic recombination on the amount of genetic variation in populations at the DNA and phenotypic levels using quantitative models.
- Formulate research questions about the genetic control of biological processes and design experiments to answer these questions using appropriate genetic tools including model organisms.
- Demonstrate team-work, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to address societal, ethical and scientific issues related to genetics, and communicate their findings through written, oral and multi-media reports.
Four-Year Plan
Sample Genetics and Genomics Four-Year Plan
Students must complete at least 120 total credits to be eligible for graduation.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 or 109 | 4-5 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| MATH 221 (or math placement) | 5 | Elective | 3 |
| GENETICS 155 (CALS First Year Seminar) | 1 | COMM A Course (if needed) | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| 13-14 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 343 or 341 | 3 | CHEM 345 (if CHEM 343 completed) | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 1511 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 1521 | 5 |
| STAT 371 or 301 | 3 | GENETICS 299 (Independent Research) | 1-3 |
| Social Sciences | 3 | Electives | 5 |
| 14 | 14-16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 103, 207, or 2012 | 4-5 | PHYSICS 104, 208, or 2022 | 4-5 |
| GENETICS 467 | 3 | GENETICS 468 | 3 |
| BIOCHEM 501 or 507 | 3 | BIOCHEM 508 (or elective) | 3-4 |
| CALS International Studies | 3 | Genetics Depth/Breadth | 6 |
| 13-14 | 16-18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Genetics Depth/Breadth | 6 | Genetics Depth/Breadth | 3 |
| Elective (research or thesis recommended)3 | 2-3 | Elective (research or thesis recommended)3 | 2-3 |
| Humanities | 3 | Genetics Capstone | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | Electives | 6 |
| 17-18 | 14-15 | ||
| Total Credits 115-123 | |||
- 1
Instead of ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 and ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152, students can take either BOTANY/BIOLOGY 130, ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 & ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 102, or BIOCORE 381, BIOCORE 383 & two labs (BIOCORE 382, BIOCORE 384, or BIOCORE 486).
- 2
Physics could be taken in second year (consult your advisor).
- 3
If in CALS honors in research.
Notes:
- First-year students are recommended to take GENETICS 155 to fulfill the CALS first year seminar requirement.
- Study abroad is an enriching experience. Check with your advisor on how you can fulfill your curriculum and study abroad.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Each student is assigned a professional academic advisor who works to understand student goals and helps to craft a path that best suits their needs. Additionally, students receive professional and scientific mentorship through interactions with faculty, staff, and graduate students.
Career Opportunities
Alumni go on to a wide variety of careers in medicine, public health, research, life sciences, biotechnology, education, law, and science communication — in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. They hold professional positions as physicians, medical directors, genetic counselors, epidemiologists, research scientists, data analysts, plant breeders, veterinarians, professors, teachers, attorneys, and science writers.
People
Professors
Francisco Pelegri (chair), Matthew Anderson, Jake Brunkard, Qiang Chang, Daniela Drummond-Barbosa, Audrey Gasch, Chris Hittinger, Aki Ikeda, Patrick Masson, Bret Payseur, Nicole Perna, John Pool, Tom Prolla, Claire Richardson, Steven Schroedi, David Schwartz, Nathaniel Sharp, Ahna Skop, Katie Vermillion Kalmon, David Wassarman, Donna Werling, Justin Wolter, Jerry Yin.
Teaching Faculty
Carin Loewen, Kit Tilmann, Nicholas Zumwalde
Advisors
Carin Loewen, Claire Minor, Kit Tilmann, Katie Vermillion Kalmon, Nicholas Zumwalde
Graduate Program Manager
Martha Reck
Wisconsin Experience
Research Experience
Many genetics and genomics majors conduct research in a faculty-led research lab where they receive direct mentorship from faculty, staff, and graduate students. With hundreds of faculty members on campus using genetic strategies in their labs, students have many research options.
Student Organizations
The Undergraduate Genetics Association, a club for all students interested in genetics and genomics, brings in guest speakers to discuss their research and career paths; provides guidance on finding campus research and internship opportunities; holds informational sessions on jobs and careers; and hosts networking, volunteer, and social events. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization, for students interested in genetic counseling, hosts talks by genetic counselors, clinicians, and ethicists; informs students of advocacy opportunities; provides training in practical counseling skills; and offers networking, volunteer, outreach, and social events.
Global Engagement
Genetics and genomics majors participate in study abroad programs in countries around the world, including in China, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, and Uganda. Students can find more information on the CALS study abroad advising page.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
Students have opportunities to engage in volunteer activities through the Undergraduate Genetics Association, including participating in campus’ annual Darwin Day science outreach event. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization also offers outreach opportunities.
Internships
Majors are encouraged to participate in internships. With a large biotech industry presence in the Madison area, there are many opportunities for students to participate in genetically-relevant internship experiences. Students can use these internship opportunities to complete the research requirement for the genetics and genomics major.
A Rich History of Genetics and Genomics
Established in 1910, the UW–Madison Department of Genetics is among the oldest genetics departments in the nation and is highly regarded for its research contributions in diverse areas of the field. Many of the greatest discoveries in Genetics and Genomics took place at UW–Madison, including cracking the genetic code, sequencing one of the first bacterial genomes, synthesizing the first gene, and developing targeted gene knockout methods in mice.
Resources and Scholarships
Scholarships
Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships.
The genetics department offers a Genetics and Genomics Excellence in Research Award of up to $6,000 to support undergraduate research in genetics- and genomics-related areas. There are also scholarships available for students who participate in certain genetics-focused study abroad programs.
Resources
The Center for Pre-Health Advising provides information about health careers including pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-vet, and pre-physical therapy, and offers course suggestions.