DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites – these are the molecules essential for functions of life. Understanding their structure and function is the foundation of molecular and genetic discoveries that could cure disease, increase crop productivity or even solve criminal cases. 

Learn how to solve problems at the molecular level, with the most up-to-date knowledge and training in molecular genetics. You’ll gain the molecular biology skills you need to analyse molecular samples, and learn how to apply them across widespread fields including animal science, biomedical science, conservation biology, crop and pasture science, forensics, marine science and medicine.

If you’re planning on pursuing postgraduate study in fields such as medicine, pharmacy and forensic science, you will be well prepared with this major. High achieving students can also choose to complete Honours, an additional year of study, which involves undertaking an independent project with one of our research groups.

7 reasons to study Genetics and Molecular Biology at Murdoch

• Murdoch’s Perth campus hosts several world-class molecular research centres, including the WA Phenome Centre, the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, the Separation Science and Metabolomics Laboratory, and the Centre for Rhizobium Studies.
• Interact with researchers from these centres and be taught by leading scientists with strong industry links.
• Five-star rating for student-teacher ratio, overall experience, student support and teaching quality*.
  *Source:Good Universities Guide 2020.
• Learn by doing, with laboratory content throughout the course to ensure you acquire practical skills and reinforce theoretical principles.
• Prepare for the workforce or further study with the inclusion of cutting-edge advances in modern diagnostic science.
• Great Honours and research opportunities on- and off-campus with strong linkages to centres and research institutes.
• You’ll learn from academics with an open door policy, so you can get the help and advice you need in order to succeed.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• cell biology (structure and function of cells)
• genetics and evolution (studying the evolution of life and population development)
• microbiology (bacteria, viruses and fungi important in industrial, ecological, agricultural and medical settings)
• genetic engineering (construction and uses of GMOs and associated ethical considerations)
• biochemistry (importance of molecules in cell function)
• systems biology (holistic approach to understand biological functions).

A major in Genetics and Molecular Biology will prepare you for a career working in hospitals, research organisations such as the CSIRO and medical research centres, universities and agriculture departments, biotechnology and food processing industries.

Careers could include

• Molecular Biologist
• Bioinformatician
• Genetic Engineer
• Molecular Biotechnologist
• Research Scientist or University Academic.

You could also pursue roles such as discovering markers for diagnosing disease, using DNA profiling to catch criminals, working against the trade in endangered species or developing new crop varieties to feed a growing population.