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Molecular geneticists look at genes and ways to manipulate them for use in areas including medicine or industry. They may discover a treatment for a genetic disease. If molecular genetics sounds appealing to you, read on to learn more.

The primary focus of molecular genetics is the molecular-level study of the function and structure of genes. Molecular geneticists study the evolution and inheritance of genes. They are curious about how genes control the development and function of organisms. Molecular genetics has lead to mapping the human genome to identify disease-related genetic abnormalities, analyzing genetic changes in tumors and developing new procedures and tests. Genes are the focus, but molecular genetics also involves developmental, cellular and molecular biology.

The educational background needed to work in molecular genetics includes coursework in math, physics, chemistry and biology. Students may earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in molecular genetics. Courses may include developmental and cell biology, molecular genetics, genetic analysis, DNA transactions, human genetics and biochemistry. Dual degree programs combine molecular genetics with other sciences, such as microbiology. A Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics involves students conducting original research and writing a dissertation for faculty review. The following Study.com pages contain more information on programs, courses and degrees.

Nowadays, science courses are widely available online. View these Study.com pages for more information about online and hybrid programs for aspiring molecular geneticists.

There are many career options for students pursuing a degree in molecular genetics. The list below contains only a few examples, so be sure to visit other Study.com pages for more information.

Molecular genetics offers varied career opportunities with excellent potential for growth and salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected job prospects for medical scientists in the decade 2012-2022 to grow by 13% (www.bls.gov). Employment for laboratory technicians was expected to grow by 30% in the same period. The BLS reported that, as of May 2012, the median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technicians was $37,240; biological science professors, $74,180; and medical scientists, $76,980. Payscale.com reported in March 2014 that most geneticists made a salary of between $30,000 and $132,839 annually.

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Molecular Genetics - Study.com

This entry was posted on October 16, 2017 at 1:06 pm and is filed under Molecular Genetics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |