Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Genetics

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) is a one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree. The diploma encompasses both papers and a research topic, and can be taken full-time. It provides possible to the Master of Science (MSc) degree by thesis only.

Why study Genetics?

Genetics is the study of genes and inheritance. It’s fun, interesting, challenging and relevant to everyday life! It’s a very diverse subject, in which you’ll learn about the molecular basis of life right through to the study of whole organisms, populations and evolution.

You will learn to make informed decisions about topics such as genetic engineering, cloning and your own health. In your lectures, you’ll also learn about the cutting- edge research being undertaken at Otago and you’ll have many opportunities to undertake hands-on research.

Genetics at Otago

Genetics is a rapidly-progressing science, a central theme of modern biology, and an indispensable component of most biological research.

The Genetics programme at Otago draws together the departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Women’s and Children’s Health, and Zoology.

This allows staff and students to interact and share ideas across a broader sphere than is possible in any one department.

Career opportunities

Graduates with a genetics degree from Otago can be found all over New Zealand and around the world, doing all sorts of interesting things. A degree in Genetics gives you a wide range of marketable skills suitable for employment in biologically- based industries, research organisations and government departments.

You could be a research associate, policy analyst, biotechnologist, conservation worker or biosecurity analyst, to name but a few!

With further study you could be a patent lawyer, science journalist, or a researcher in human, animal, plant, or microbial genetics.

A Genetics degree from Otago also provides an excellent foundation for the further training required to be a genetic counsellor or forensic scientist.