College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

B.S. in Molecular Genetics

Be curious

Molecular genetics is an exciting field that combines the study of molecular biology and genetics to understand the molecular structure of DNA and how genes are expressed within organisms. Rapid technological advancements in the field, including breakthroughs in genetic engineering and DNA sequencing, continue to enable new discoveries in our understanding of genetic factors and their impact on life and disease. Pursuing a B.S. in Molecular Genetics gives students endless opportunities to explore and is a great fit for those interested in medical school, graduate school or a health-related profession.

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) Department is unique at UVM because it exists within two colleges: the Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine (LCOM) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). From this position, it allows undergraduates to interact with faculty from diverse departments such as Animal Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Medicine, Pathology, Pediatrics and Pharmacology. It also allows undergraduates to have research opportunities in laboratories doing biomedical research in the Larner College of Medicine and prepares them to go on to an advanced M.D. or Ph.D. degree in medicine, biotechnology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

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Major requirements

B.S. in Molecular Genetics Requirements

Beyond the classroom

Undergraduate students may undertake a research project as part of their degree program and also receive course credit for the experience (MMG 197/198, 297/298). Molecular genetics students work in faculty labs across campus tackling issues in cancer research, genetics and genomics, pharmacology, drug development and more. Students choose a laboratory in which to perform their research and work with the faculty member to select a project and to set expectations, scope, and parameters for the project.

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Current undergraduate research projects

Molecular genetics students may also earn credit for internships, either during the academic year or over the summer. Students have interned in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in UVM’s Vaccine Testing Center, with biotechnology companies and local clinics, to name a few.

Other programs popular among students in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department include UVM’s Emergency Medical Research Associate Program, UVM Rescue, and other opportunities with the UVM Medical Center.