Genetics
By Deborah Knight
Are you intrigued by the idea of uncovering the secrets of life? Do you like science and working with people? If these things interest you, you might want to explore the exciting field of genetics, where a world of opportunities awaits you.
In 2003 scientists completed the Human Genome Project: the sequencing of the three billion DNA letters in the human genome. When they began work on this project in 1990, fewer than 100 disease genes were known; by the time they finished, they had discovered more than 1,400.
Today, the role of genetics in medicine, basic research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, forensics, agriculture, and animal biology is growing by leaps and bounds. This has led to the need for genetic counselors in medicine. It has also raised questions and debate about the legal, ethical, and social implications of this vast new knowledge and technology.
Genetics can lead you down many paths: counseling people with inherited diseases; treating patients with inherited diseases; solving murders; researching plant and animal applications; creating medicines and procedures that identify, treat, and cure diseases; and peering into the fundamental processes of life through basic laboratory research. And these days, you can’t watch the news without also hearing about stories involving another side of genetics: the dilemmas and controversies involved with prenatal testing for mutations and inherited diseases, adult testing, discrimination and privacy issues, gene therapy, and stem cell research.
Career options are expanding constantly. Here are just a few:
Medical doctors work with patients who have genetic diseases, typically in pediatrics or obstetrics-gynecology.
Genetic counselors work with patients and families whose members either have or are at risk for birth defects or genetic diseases. They identify and research the problem, interpret information for the family, and discuss the options with them. People in this field typically pursue an undergraduate degree in biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, or social work, followed by a two-year master’s degree in genetic counseling. Starting salaries in 2007 ranged between $42,000 and $51,000 per year.
Basic researchers conduct research essential to the development of applications in the real world. In college they study biology, genetics, or one of the physical sciences, and then pursue a Ph.D. in genetics. Many would work as research directors at a university or a research institute and perhaps also teach.
Laboratory geneticists work on pharmaceutical or clinical medicine applications, typically for a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company. Research technicians usually possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Research directors have earned either a Ph.D. or M.D.
Forensic analysts work analyzing samples for law enforcement purposes.
Agriculture and wildlife researchers work on genetic modification of foods and seeds or in wildlife management, including identification and protection of endangered species.
Twenty-five years ago, the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences was published monthly. Now it comes out weekly, because there are so many scientists doing research and so much is happening. The world of science is rapidly expanding, and genetics is a big part of that growth.
For more information,visit the Genetic Society of America’s website, www.genetics-gsa.org, from which some of this information was taken. Click on “Education,” then “Careers in Genetics.” Check out the profiles of people working in various fields: they explain firsthand what they do and how they got into their field. You might also want to explore the website of the National Society of Genetic Counselors at www.nsgc.org.
2009
