Geneticist Career Description
Biotechnology involves the development of methods to control biological processes for use in industry, agriculture, forestry, horticulture and breeding. Genetics is the biological science that studies the way hereditary qualities are transmitted. It provides an essential basis on which all living organisms, from micro-organisms to plants, animals and the human race, are studied.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Geneticists study the genetic composition of living organisms and attempt to explain how information is transmitted from one cell to another and from one generation to another. Genetics can be divided into the following fields:
Cytogenetics
The characteristics of organisms are determined by the genes that occur on the genetic material of the organism. This genetic material (DNA) is packed in the cell in the form of chromosomes. The qualities of chromosomes and their behaviour form the central part of cytogenetics.
Molecular genetics
A study is made of the molecular nature and functioning of genetic material. Techniques are developed through which scientists are enabled to characterise, change and utilise genes for commercial use. This technology is applied in genetic engineering and biotechnology and plays an increasingly important role in the medical, agricultural and industrial field.
Population genetics and plant and animal breeding
The study of genes on cellular level and the behaviour of genes in groups of organisms go hand in hand. This gives rise to one of the most important application fields of genetics, namely the use of genetics to make predictions, which are then used in breeding plants and animals.
Human genetics
An important field of genetics is the study of genetic diseases in humans. Better knowledge of human genetics and the molecular nature
of defective genes makes it easier today to successfully diagnose and prevent possible genetically associated diseases.
Other fields of application are micro-genetics, pharmaco-genetics, cancer-genetics, immunogenetics and the genetics of mental disabilities.
Geneticists often perform laboratory work but also work on "farms" where they do plant breeding. These are outdoor posts but the geneticist can also be office bound. The geneticist does laboratory research, computer analysis, mathematical analysis in population studies and breeding, and diagnostic work in the human, plant and animal fields.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Genetics is suitable for most types of personalities; those who like to work alone, those who like the outdoors, training, computers and those who like to work with people. The geneticist must be able to work very accurately and perform highly specialized research. Determination and discipline are important qualities.
Where can I work?
Geneticists are employed by universities, hospitals, the Medical Research Institute, the Veterinary Research Institute, government departments such as the Department of Health, forensic laboratories, agricultural research institutes and experimental farms of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), private institutions such as the African Explosives and Chemical Industries (AECI), National Botanical Gardens, plant breeding companies, etc.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Plant and animal breeders can work for themselves and start their own businesses. Plant biotechnologists may also work for themselves. South African human geneticists may practise as counsellors if in collaboration with medical practitioners. These practising counsellors, however, do require a specific Masters degree in Human Genetics.
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