APPLIED GENETICS (ENG)
The aim of the Master’s Program in Applied Genetics is to prepare a new generation of researchers who, utilizing contemporary molecular and genetic research methods, will be able to study current issues in biodiversity, ecology, evolutionary biology, agriculture, and medicine, perform comprehensive data processing and result interpretation, and conduct independent research. This creates prerequisites for graduates to be competitive both in the job market and at the next level of education after program completion.
Language of instruction: English
Program duration and Degree awarded:
Structural Model 1 (Applies to students enrolled before the 2026–2027 academic year)
- 4 semester, 120 credits
Degree awarded - Master of Science in Applied Genetics
Structural Model 2 (Applies to students enrolled from the 2026–2027 academic year onwards):
- 4 semester, 120 credits (60+60).
- First Part - 2 semesters, 60 credits
After completing the first, at least 60 credit part Degree awarded - Master of Applied Genetics
- Second Part - 2 semesters, 60 credits
After completing the second, at least 60 credit part Degree awarded - Master of Research in Applied Genetics
Why Should You Choose the Master's Program in Applied Genetics at Ilia State University?
Highly Qualified Academic Staff
The program’s implementation involves highly qualified academic staff with extensive experience in genetic research and data analysis. The scientists involved in teaching have high international recognition in their fields. The program staff considers experience gained at research and academic institutions in the USA and Europe.
Integration of Practical Skills and Theoretical Knowledge
In contemporary science, the use of DNA markers is almost as routine as, for example, programming. However, students in universities in our region rarely have the opportunity to master practical genetic methods. Our students master the use of contemporary molecular-genetic methods, such as DNA extraction from living tissue, isolation of genes of interest from the genome using PCR, and reading the nucleotide sequence in these genes, as well as genome sequencing using second-generation methods or environmental DNA to identify organisms present in water. They also study complex data processing using bioinformatics methods and the foundations of theoretical population biology, acquiring essential skills for preparing scientific research.
Early Research Experience
From the second semester, students begin working on their research projects in animal, plant, or human genetics. Program students can independently plan and implement research across various areas using contemporary relevant methods and appropriate equipment – genetic research on diverse living organisms (animals, plants, humans), analysis of population genetic structure, and research on evolutionary biology issues.
Opportunity to Participate in Research Projects
The academic staff involved in the program represents leading research institutes and centers in Georgia; they also have connections with universities and research centers in Europe and the USA, which allows students to participate in scientific projects and conduct research in teams with high research productivity.
International Partnership and Erasmus+ Exchange Programs
Students will have the opportunity to participate in practical and research programs at European universities, thereby gaining competitive advantages in the international market. The program actively collaborates with the Jülich Research Centre (Germany).
Program Director
- Professor David Tarkhnishvili david_tarkhnishvili@iliauni.edu.ge
Employment Opportunities
(Applies to students enrolled before the 2026–2027 academic year):
Graduates of Applied Genetics master program will be able to work in laboratories using biotechnology on problems in industry, medicine and agriculture; management positions in government or the private sector, where molecular genetics applications are being used, in forensics, food science, public health, or environmental science, etc.; in industry, in laboratory and management positions in the biotechnology industry.
(Applies to students enrolled from the 2026–2027 academic year):
Graduates of the first 60-credit part of Applied Genetics master program will be able to work in an epidemiological, pharmaceutical, or disease control laboratory; In a forensic or other laboratory where genetic expertise is used; In governmental, non-governmental, or private institution where genetic expertise and analysis of its results are used - in the field of agriculture, conservation biology, or ecology.
Graduates of second 60-credit part of Applied Genetics master program will be able to work in laboratories using biotechnology on problems in industry, medicine and agriculture; management positions in government or the private sector, where molecular genetics applications are being used, in forensics, food science, public health, or environmental science, etc.; in industry, in laboratory and management positions in the biotechnology industry.
Contact information:
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine
Tbilisi, Q. Cholokashvili Ave. 3/5, H building, room N108
☏ (+995 32) 222 00 09 (139, 137, 338)
✉sciences_medicine@iliauni.edu.ge