Molecular genetics has revolutionised the study of many areas of human biology, agriculture and industry. Genetics plays a major part in the monitoring of harvested and endangered species. The human genome project will change the practice of medicine by using genetic differences to guide individualised treatment. The entire genome, all the genes, of several organisms, have been identified and are revealing how they function. Evolution and the origins of modern human are issues of debate in genetics.
Ethical issues are a major concern in genetics.
Research in all aspects of genetics is undertaken in universities. Museums also conduct genetic research on their collections to examine the evolutionary relationships between species. Hospitals use geneticists in prenatal detection, diagnosis and counselling for genetic diseases, and in associated screening programs. Industry requires geneticists in many areas including the development of new strains of microorganisms useful in the production of recombinant DNA products such as enzymes, drugs and dyes. There are a wide variety of genetics units available at UNSW, including human, molecular, conservation, population and classical genetics.