The Laboratory of Genetics is excited to launch the new Genetics in a Modern World certificate! Beginning in Fall 2025, undergraduate students can add this interdisciplinary certificate to their degree plan. Designed to explore the role of genetics in society, health, agriculture, and the environment, this program equips students with the tools to understand and apply genetic concepts in a rapidly evolving world. See below for more information on what the certificate offers, how it fits into your degree plan, and how to get started.
Certificate Eligibility & Information
All undergraduate students at UW-Madison are eligible to declare and complete the Genetics in a Modern World Certificate. There are no prerequisites for declaring, and students pursuing the program are encouraged to declare as early as possible so that they can best align the coursework with their interests and plan their research experience.
Students declaring the certificate are expected to have read through all program requirements and policies, have a sense of what courses to take, and be able to complete all coursework without extending their degree timeline.
Still deciding if the certificate is the right fit, or if you have time? If you are unsure, we recommend taking a core course first (e.g. Genetics 133 and/or attending our informational session) or meeting with an advisor to learn more before officially declaring the certificate.
Declaring the Certificate
Students can declare the Genetics in a Modern World certificate in one of two ways: by completing a short online declaration form or by meeting with a Genetics academic advisor. We encourage all students to meet with an advisor to discuss how the certificate fits with their academic and career goals.
Program Requirements
This certificate equips students pursuing diverse academic paths with the knowledge to think critically about their unique place within the ever-changing landscape of genetic knowledge and application. Students will be called to engage in ethical, evidence-based discussions about the relationship between cutting-edge genetics research and our world in the classroom and beyond. See below for a list of approved courses and the requirements needed to complete the certificate.
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Program Overview
Genetics in a Modern World credits:
Foundation Courses 6
Interdisciplinary Electives 3
Integration Course 3
Total Credits 12
Approved Courses
Program Requirements
Foundation Courses
Complete the following courses:
Interdisciplinary Electives
Complete one course:
Integration Course
Complete the following course:
Additional Requirements
To earn the Genetics in a Modern World certificate, students must meet the following academic and enrollment criteria.
- 2.000 GPA in certificate courses.
- At least 50% of certificate courses taken in-residence (i.e. at UW-Madison or through a UW-Madison sponsored study abroad program.)
- Courses taken on a pass/fail (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) basis will not count toward the certificate.
- This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain current topics in genetics and genomics by applying basic genetic knowledge and simple scientific methodologies from current research.
- Engage in dialogue about the implications of genetics and genomics on everyday life, addressing ethical, societal, legal, and/or scientific perspectives.
- Describe applications, practices, and policies to address ethical, economic, environmental, legal, and/or social challenges and opportunities created by genomics- based innovations.
- Integrate life sciences and humanities/social sciences perspectives to address current questions related to ethics, history, social science, and/or public policy, and their interaction with contemporary genetics and genetics research.
- Present your interdisciplinary perspective on the relationship between genomes and society to diverse audiences.
Contact
Students may email the certificate advisors listed below with questions or to set up an advising appointment.
Katie Vermillion Kalmon, PhD
Position title: Director of Undergraduate Studies and Assistant Teaching Professor
Email:
kvermillion
Phone: 608-265-2865
Address:
1424 Genetics Biotechnology Center
Nick Zumwalde, PhD
Position title: Instructional Faculty Associate: Teaching and Advising
Email:
nazumwalde
Phone: 608-265-5405
Address:
1432 Genetics Biotechnology Center