Genetics

There are those who seek to unveil mysteries and there are those who devote themselves to human beings, Genetics is an exciting degree for those who are fascinated by making their contribution to history.

Why study this degree?

The Genetics degree as a specialty, and as a degree in itself, offers the professional different areas to pursue, in addition to expanding their knowledge of medicine and biology.

It is a degree that gives those who decide to study it the ability to research health issues that are transmitted from generation to generation, as well as helping others to avoid consequences for these reasons. That is why entering this world is not only interesting but also serves to leave a legacy.

It is a degree for those people who like to acquire new knowledge, who wish to study and enjoy technical reading.

Can the Genetics degree be taken under the same name in all countries?

University degrees related to Genetics can be offered both as an undergraduate degree, or as a specialization through a postgraduate degree, master's or doctorate in different educational institutions.

Students can find the degree under the simple name of Genetics, or Genetic Engineering, Medical Genetics, Biology Molecular. Each case will be unique and the guidance may vary, since the difference lies in the focus given to it in the curriculum and it will train the professional in a specific way.

What subjects are taught in the Genetics degree?

Some of the subjects taught during the course are closely related to the area of biology, while others are oriented toward medicine, which is why within the curriculum students can take topics such as general physics, science and technology, mathematics, chemistry, biophysics, plant biology, organic chemistry, embryology, anatomy, evolutionary genetics, ecology and general microbiology, developmental genetics and molecular genetics, among others.

What tasks does a geneticist perform?

The genetics professional has throughout his career technical and scientific training, which provides him with the necessary tools to carry out his main tasks of collaborating with the area of genetic studies on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the different diseases that have a hereditary origin and in that way be able to help different populations. In addition, one of his main functions is to research and understand the different issues that can cause genetic problems worldwide, the deformities that different human beings may present and connect it with congenital difficulties.

What jobs does a geneticist perform?

The work areas of a genetics professional are varied and can complement each other, which is why a geneticist can develop privately by doing research or working for different medical coverage providers, hospitals and clinics, as well as join a specific team that carries out different research in the population or develops treatments for genetic pathologies, whether in public centers or private entities.
They can work in laboratories or as a scientific advisor in prenatal genetic diagnosis, in the pharmaceutical area or in different entities related to medicine.

In addition, they can lean toward the agricultural and livestock genetics area, in fields, zoos or wildlife centers; as well as work on the quality and control of transgenic issues in food products.

Advantages of studying the Genetics degree

The advantage that the Genetics specialization gives the professional is the possibility of making a contribution to the evolution of humanity through their different jobs. The feeling of having been able to help future generations with congenital pathologies can comfort the geneticist. In addition, this career has good job placement, since there are not so many professionals who decide to dedicate themselves to this branch.

Disadvantages of studying the Genetics degree

One of the disadvantages that professionals who have decided to pursue the Genetics specialization may encounter is related to the continuous instruction they must have in the different fields they have to handle, both in terms of biology and medicine. Since the continued appearance of cases related to congenital issues means that geneticists must have permanent training in these areas, because if they are out of date they will not be able to collaborate in diagnosis, in case counseling, or in the subsequent treatment they must provide to patients to help with their health.

What level of study does studying this degree provide and how long does it last in different countries?

In Argentina, you can study the Licenciatura en Genética degree, which is offered by the Universidad de Morón, with a duration of five years.
In Brazil, at the Universidad Federal de San Carlos, the Master's Degree in Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Biology is offered, with coursework of approximately one year.
In Colombia, at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá, the specialization in Medical Genetics is offered, with a duration of three years of coursework.
In Spain, the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona offers the bachelor's degree in Genetics with a duration of four years.
In Mexico, the Universidad Autónoma de Nueva León offers the specialization in Medical Genetics, with coursework of six semesters.

There are various opinions regarding this degree, as some say that interested students can go directly into undergraduate study, and others criticize this method and recommend completing a degree in biochemistry or medicine and pursuing a postgraduate degree or a specialization in Genetics. These advisors argue that in this way the professional will have greater knowledge of certain subjects that must be taken into account before embarking on the world of genes.