Molecular Genetics
Colleges of the Arts & Sciences – Biological Sciences
Molecular Genetics
The molecular genetics major is concerned with current
The molecular genetics major consists of six required core
knowledge of the molecular nature of genes, their roles in
courses, including Introductory Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics
controlling the function and development of organisms, their
I and II, Cell Biology, Genes and Development, and the student’s
inheritance, and their evolution. The research and teaching
choice of two intensive laboratory courses focusing on eukaryotic
interests of the faculty range over all areas of modern genetics as
model systems. Additional credit hours of courses in molecular
well as molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.
genetics or selected from a list of approved courses offered by
other departments are required to complete the 40 credit hour
The common focus of the department faculty is on the role of
major. These additional courses are chosen in consultation with
genes and the use of molecular and genetic techniques to answer
the advisor to meet the individual needs and interests of the
questions in modern biology. The goal of molecular geneticists
student. The option to select specific elective courses in other
is to get a better understanding of basic biology and to apply
departments gives students the flexibility to take courses required
that knowledge to practical problems in medicine, plant and
for admission to professional schools.
animal breeding, and conservation. The Department of Molecular
Genetics emphasizes studies on eukaryotes (animals, plants,
More About Molecular Genetics
fungi, and protists), although most of the basic principles apply to
In 1992 the American Association for the Advancement of
prokaryotes (bacteria) as well.
Science conducted an opinion poll of members, asking what
scientific specialty holds the greatest promise over the next
Pursuing Molecular Genetics at Ohio State
decade. “Genetics” or “molecular and cell biology,” or both,
The molecular genetics major has no special requirements for
were listed most often by biologists, medical scientists, social/
high school preparation beyond what is needed for admission to
behavioral scientists, chemists, and physicists/astronomers—
the university. However, students with a good math and science
even more often than their own specialties. Genetics was
background (biology, physics, and chemistry) will be especially
ranked second in frequency from engineers and Earth scientists.
well prepared for the major. Enriched, advanced, or honors
Only math/computer scientists failed to include one of the
courses, courses with an associated laboratory, and research
specialties of the molecular genetics department among
experience are encouraged. Good written and oral communication
their most-mentioned hot pursuits; however, they mentioned
skills are also important. Students with a strong interest and
“biotechnology” second most often. A number of molecular
aptitude for science, as reflected in good grades, are most likely
genetics faculty work in the biotechnology area.
to succeed in the major.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
All Ohio State freshman applicants are considered within a
Molecular genetics majors at Ohio State are strongly encouraged
competitive admission process for the Columbus campus.
to do a research project with a faculty member. Ohio State
The primary criteria for admission are the completion of the
offers well-equipped laboratories containing sophisticated
applicant’s high school college preparatory program, performance
instrumentation for research. Information about choosing an
in that program as indicated by class rank and/or grade-point
undergraduate research laboratory is available on the Molecular
average, and performance on either the ACT or SAT. Upon
Genetics Department web page and on the College of Biological
admission to the university, students can declare a major in
Sciences web page, under “Undergraduate Information.”
molecular genetics within the College of Biological Sciences.
Interested students should contact the undergraduate advisor
The Molecular Genetics Club and the College of Biological
for molecular genetics and an Undergraduate Student Academic
Sciences honorary student organization enhance learning
Services (USAS) counselor.
opportunities and the quality of the undergraduate experience for
students in molecular genetics. These clubs provide opportunities
Molecular Genetics Requirements
for students to interact with faculty, discuss careers and research
Not included in the molecular genetics major, but required by it,
areas with scientists from the Ohio State campus and beyond,
are background courses that yield a basic understanding of the
and participate in service and outreach activities.
sciences upon which molecular genetics is built. All molecular
genetics majors take math through Calculus II, one year of
Honors & Scholars Programs
general chemistry, two quarters of organic chemistry with
The Honors Program in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences
laboratory, one year of introductory physics, and two quarters
provides high-ability students opportunities to pursue challenging
of general biology. These basic math and science requirements
academic programs. Honors students in molecular genetics are
of the molecular genetics major are nearly identical with the
encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor on a regular basis
requirements of pre-medicine, pre-optometry, pre-dentistry, and
and to construct an enhanced curriculum that includes honors
pre-veterinary medicine.
courses, upper-division courses to meet general requirements,
rigorous sequences, honors seminars, and a strong major,
For more information, check these web sites:
Molecular Genetics: www.osumolgen.org
Admissions: undergrad.osu.edu
College of Biological Sciences: www.biosci.ohio-state.edu
Multicultural Center: multiculturalcenter.osu.edu
Ohio State: www.osu.edu
First Year Experience: fye.osu.edu
Curriculum Sample
including a significant research experience.
This is a sample list of classes a student will take to
pursue a degree in Molecular Genetics. Since university
The Ohio State Scholars Programs feature residential communities for students
students need more than a specific education in a
who share academic interests and career goals. Two of the Scholars programs
narrow field, they also will take classes to complete
of interest to molecular genetics majors are the Biological Sciences and
the General Education Curriculum (GEC). The GEC
Health Sciences Scholars Programs. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program
will allow students to develop the fundamental skills
emphasizes research, with individualized advising and significant lab and field
experience. The Health Sciences Scholars Program is focused on preparing
essential to collegiate success across major programs.
students for careers in health sciences and health care.
Course work options satisfying the GEC often come
from a variety of academic areas of study allowing
Career Prospects in Molecular Genetics
students to tailor their GEC toward their interests. Note:
Molecular geneticists with a BS degree often work as laboratory technicians.
This sample represents one of several possible paths
They are in demand to work on research projects in universities. Federal
to a degree in Molecular Genetics. Students should
and state government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health,
consult their advisor for help planning their curriculum.
Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental
The departmental web site, www.osumolgen.org,
Protection Agency hire molecular geneticists to work on a variety of applied
also provides useful details about the major and
research problems. In the private sector, agricultural and pharmaceutical
undergraduate opportunities in the department.
companies are increasingly hiring molecular geneticists to apply their skills
to genetic engineering as well as classical breeding programs. The new and
Freshman Year:
growing biotechnology industry is largely based on the expertise of molecular
Biological Sciences Survey
1
geneticists.
General Biology
10
Calculus & Analytical Geometry
10
Many molecular genetics majors go to medical or other professional schools.
General Chemistry
15
The major program is rigorous and molecular genetics is an important area in
GEC (English composition)
5
modern medicine. Also, well-qualified majors are encouraged to participate in
GEC (foreign language)
10
the faculty’s research programs. As a result, molecular genetics majors have
Freshman Seminar
1
been successful in gaining entrance to professional schools.
Total hours
52
Many molecular genetics graduates go on to graduate school. A few of
Sophomore Year:
these get an M.S. degree, which qualifies them for higher-paying laboratory
General Physics
15
technician jobs. Most go directly to the Ph.D. program. Keep in mind that
Organic Chemistry
6
most Ph.D. students, as part of their training, serve as research and teaching
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
4
assistants and thereby earn their living and educational expenses while they
GEC (arts and humanities)
5
are in graduate school. Molecular geneticists with a Ph.D. are widely employed
GEC (foreign language)
10
by government and industry to design and supervise research and development
GEC (second writing course)
5
projects. Nearly all colleges and universities have molecular geneticists on
their faculties, teaching and doing research. Molecular geneticists with a Ph.D.
Elective
5
plus postdoctoral research training are eligible for faculty positions at research-
Total hours
50
oriented universities like Ohio State.
Junior Year:
An undergraduate major in molecular genetics does not limit one’s options to
Introduction to Biological Chemistry
5
careers in medicine or biological research. Because this major provides the
Molecular Genetics
8
academic preparation and strong science background appropriate for students
Major laboratory course
5
who plan careers in marketing, business, or management in high technology
Major course electives
8
industries, some molecular genetics students choose to use their science
GEC (arts & humanities)
10
background to pursue a professional degree in business or law. A few students
GEC (social sciences)
10
choose to put their molecular genetics training to use by obtaining a master’s
Total hours
46
degree in education and becoming science teachers.
Senior Year:
Salaries are commensurate with level of education and prior job experiences.
Molecular Genetics
6
Students who complete graduate and professional degrees can expect to earn
Major course electives
9
substantially more than students with a bachelor’s degree. Salaries in general
Independent research
5
are dependent upon a variety of economic factors and change with market
GEC (arts & humanities)
10
trends.
GEC (social sciences)
5
Electives
10
For more information about careers in molecular genetics, call or write the Arts
Total hours
45
and Sciences Career Services Office, 06 Denney Hall, 164 West 17th Avenue,
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1371, (614) 292-1868.
Revised July 2004
Contact information:
Department of Molecular Genetics | 984 Biological Sciences Building
484 West 12th Avenue | Columbus, Ohio 43210-1292
(614) 292-8084 | Fax (614) 292-4466
