Molecular Genetics

Overview

Molecular Genetics is a field that is becoming more important every day. Advances in technology and research have opened countless doors in the fields of disease prevention and diagnosis—and there are endless opportunities and advancements yet to come. If you’re inspired by the possibilities presented by the discoveries of the Human Genome Project, cancer research, or genetic engineering, consider Molecular Genetics as a major.

Molecular Genetics is concerned with the molecules that make up genes. You’ll study the ways these molecules function, and how they themselves control the functioning of cells. You’ll learn how molecules have evolved and changed, and what has brought about these changes. By studying so closely the molecular structure of a gene, you’ll be able to discover ways to control, alter, and replicate the gene—the foundations of genetic engineering.

Molecular Genetics has numerous practical applications. Biomedical research is one field in which Molecular Genetics plays a vital role. You might study human gene therapy, and investigate such things as the molecular basis of cancer, cell growth and development, and diseases like AIDS. Expect a great deal of research—and a future that promises exciting new discoveries.