Master of Science (Genetics and Breeding)

What is Genetics and Breeding?

The Masters course in Genetics and Breeding will provide a broad training in genetics, with emphasis on its applications in plant and animal breeding and selection, and in conservation biology and management. The core units will extend a relevant background in agricultural, biological or marine sciences. The thesis or dissertation offers an opportunity to introduce your own work into the research project, or to integrate with a local breeding or conservation program to become familiar with current work practices.

Key strengths of the degree are:

• a thorough training in core genetics principles and biometric analysis.
• interaction across disciplines integral to the structure of core units.
• a very broad range of local research and networking opportunities.

What does the course involve?

The MSc involves 48 points of units, which can include both undergraduate and postgraduate units.  The course is one year full time or two years part time.

You can complete the course in two ways:

Coursework/dissertation – 4 units coursework, 24 points research, see course outline.
Coursework/thesis – 2 units coursework, 36 points research (this option is eligible for Research Training Scheme support), see course outline.

Some examples of how you could structure this degree:

Plant Breeding focus:
Possible units (two upgraded to post graduate level)
• Rainfed pasture systems
• Integrated pest management: tactics and strategies
• Organic Agriculture and horticulture
• Rainfed cropping systems
Research Project

Animal Breeding focus:
The units:
• Animal production
• Animal science and technology
• Animal ethics and welfare.
• Agricultural economics and marketing
Research Project
 
Conservation focus:
The units:
• Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
• Wildlife conservation and management
• Analysis for natural resource economics
• Applied microbial ecology
Research Project

Marine Biology focus:
The units:
• Marine Ecology
• Aquaculture
• Animal ecology
• Field techniques in marine science
Research Project

How will studying this course help my career prospects?

Completing further study beyond a Bachelor degree will enhance your chances of employment as well as advancement, as you will increase your knowledge in specific areas that interest you. 

For more information on the units available to you, see the website http://www.fnas.uwa.edu.au/for/postgraduates/coursework/masternrm

How do I apply?

Applications will be accepted until at least the end of January; contact the Faculty if you are unable to meet this deadline.  Application forms are available on the course website.

Contact Details:

Ms Marjan Heibloem
Senior Faculty Administrative Officer
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, WA 6009

Telephone:  (08) 6488 2565
Email:  science@fnas.uwa.edu.au

A three or four year Bachelor degree (with Honours) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent, or completion of the Graduate Diploma with at least a 60% average.

International students

Fees

Domestic students (2006): to be confirmed (FEE-HELP available)

International student fees

Application Deadline

31 January First Semester; 30 June Second Semester.

Application form 

Applicants intending to study by way of Thesis and Coursework also need to submit the  Supplementary Form for Graduate Research with their application

Further Information

• Plant Biology
• Animal Biology
• Prospective Students Office
• International Student Applications