Introduction to Genetics
Geneticists study living organisms, from human beings and animals to crops and bacteria. Research is a major part of a geneticist’s job, by conducting experiments to determine the origins and governing laws of particular inherited traits, such as medical conditions, and seeking out determinants responsible for these traits.
Geneticists’ typical responsibilities include; conducting lab research and experiments, analyzing genetic data to conclude and publish research, extracting DNA or performing diagnostic tests, etc.
However, clinical Geneticists are professionals who work with patients and individuals who have been diagnosed with a genetic disease or ailment.
Their work with individuals can begin when they are first diagnosing a patient with a genetic illness and can also include the treatment of an individual.
Training type in genetics
The training type in Genetics could either be Online or Offline(Hybrid). However, Genetics training is most on-site because it involves lots of practicals.
How long does the average training certification in genetics?
The average training duration in each level of certification in the genetics field is a 4 years bachelor’s degree in a related course of study.
However, an individual who wants to become a Clinical Geneticist must also pursue a minimum of a two-year residency to gain on-the-job training in the field.
Requirements to become a geneticist?
The basic requirement to become a certified geneticist is Bachelor’s degree / HND (Higher National Diploma).
Secondary school department for studying genetics?
The secondary school department you must be in to pursue a degree in genetics in the college is the Science department.
Tertiary Courses for genetics
- Biomedical
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Career path to become a geneticist
In pursuing a career in genetics, you need a bachelor’s degree in any of the related courses. However, in genetics, you can either choose to be a researcher or a medical doctor.
Also, you need the perseverance to follow practical chains of information and analyze large amounts of data. The passion for helping people experiencing challenges cannot be overemphasized.
You also need to gather knowledge of exercises of genetics materials in the laboratories using equipment like DNA scanners, Microscopes, and other advanced equipment for gene manipulation and gene therapy.
Professional grade in genetics
In the genetics profession, we have grades in the field which distinguish professionals as well as their fields of expertise.
We have Medical geneticists; these are physicians who treat and diagnose genetic diseases.
However, Medical physicians can also fit in the laboratory aspect to conduct research.
Also, we have Laboratory research geneticists; this set of people deals mainly with what goes on in the laboratory, using data to analyze and experiment with genetic diseases.
We also have Genetic Counselors; these are experts that help couples or individuals identify, and analyze possible risks of genetic conditions by gathering family history and patterns to calculate chances of recurrence.
How long does it take at each profession stage in genetics?
The professional grade in the Genetics field varies, as it depends on the interest of individuals to choose which profession grade they will like to focus on.
Nonetheless, in all the stages of the genetics profession, the average duration is a 4 years degree program.
How much is the average salary for each level in genetics?
The average salary of a Medical Geneticist is $73,000 annually.
Genetics counsellors make an average of $96,458 annually.
Laboratory genetics researchers make an average salary of $145,000 annually.
Work type for geneticists
The work type for Geneticists is On-site. the duties and professions cannot be carried out remotely.
What is the work shift for geneticists?
Just like every other profession in the medical field, geneticists’ work shift depends on when they have a serious assignment. However, the typical work shift type is 9 am -5 pm daily.
How many hours do geneticists spend at work?
The typical average hours geneticists spend at work is 9 hours. However, this depends on the Impromptu task.
Occupational hazards in genetics
- physical safety hazards
- chemical hazards
- biological hazards
- Ergonomic risk factors
Gender distribution in genetics
In the Genetics field, 42.5% are women compared to 52.5% who are men. This means, there’s no gender distribution in the field.
What are the talents suitable for genetics?
Here are natural talents and suitable temperaments for the genetics field.
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- The ability to understand complex concepts
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Innovation
- IT skills
What is the retirement age for geneticists?
In Nigeria, the average retirement age for Geneticists is from 60-65 years.
Popular professionals in genetics
Charles Nohuoma Rotimi – He is the Director of the Trans-National Institutes of Health (NIH) centre for research in genomics and global health.
How relevant is genetics in other countries?
Genetics relevance in other countries ranges from the scale of 75% to 80% as it is a very important field in the physical sciences.
Fields related to genetics
- Forensic scientist
- Clinical laboratory scientist
- Genetic counsellor
- Pharmacologic
- Genetic counsellor assistant
- Clinical research coordinator
- Clinical research associate
- Research scientist
Branches of genetics
- Behavioural genetics
- Classical genetics
- Developmental genetics
- Conservation genetics
- Ecological genetics
- Evolutionary genetics
- Genetic engineering
- Metagenics
- Genetic epidemiology
