Biology Department // Northern Michigan University

Genetic and Gene Expression

Genetics, the study of DNA, genes and gene expression, is a critical area in Biology and we approach it from a variety of avenues. Students interested in genetics may want to pursue human genetics (e.g. diagnostic genetics or medical genetics) or be more interested in other organisms ranging from loons to crabs to ticks. Population genetics and systematics are areas of emphasis for the department that bridge the gap between ecology and molecular biology. Developmental biology has also moved toward the

area of genetics. Many of these themes link back to evolution as well. Examples of genetics and gene expression research ongoing in the Department range from the molecular controls of cancer to loon population biology to the systematics of freshwater crabs to the molecular control of integument formation in pupating insects.

Students interested in this area might consider any of the Biology Department majors, especiallyBiology and Physiology.

We also have a special program in Diagnostic Genetics (administered jointly, listed in the Bulletin under Clinical Laboratory Sciences) that may be of interest.

Faculty Involved
Lindsay, Rebers, Cumberlidge, Froiland

Related Links
Mayo Clinic