Are Evolutionary Biologists qualified to do genetics?

[deadstar]

Hi everyone, I did my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering, just completed it last May, and I'm beginning a Masters in Science in Evolutionary Biology next month. Two of the modules I will be taking are "molecular phylogenetics" and "epigenetics". One of the ideas that I have been strongly leaning towards of late is to possibly pursue a PhD in a field of research related to genetics after this masters if I manage to qualify for one. I was just wondering would I actually be qualified to do genetics after the masters or would I have to have done a course in genetics? I have been told by a past student of the Evo Bio masters that the term "Evolutionary Biologist" is more or less interchangeable with the term "Geneticist" in terms of the work they do and he reckoned I should be able to do a PhD in that area. Can anyone confirm or deny this? Thanks very much.

[merv]

I recommend you ask an Economist.

[JackBean]

that depends what you want to do as geneticist. I would say that geneticist can do work of evolutionist, but evolutionist cannot do everything what geneticist can. For example some work in hospital, forensics or archeology etc.

[Cat]

"term "Evolutionary Biologist" is more or less interchangeable with the term "Geneticist" in terms of the work they do and he reckoned I should be able to do a PhD in that area."

Most biology programs are very similar to one another, so in all probability you will qualify to enter PhD in genetics program with masters in any other biology program. However, I would recommend adding biotechnology or genetic engineering class to your curriculum. If you truly want to continue with PhD in genetics, you will need to know the tools...