Human genetics is the study of genes - or heredity - in humans. It also examines the effects of these genes on both individuals and societies. It has developed rapidly in the last decade as new technology has made it possible to study genes in much greater detail. Examples of remarkable advances in knowledge include the discovery of the molecular basis of many inherited disorders, the ability to trace the evolution of mankind and the application of DNA finger-printing to forensic science.

Genomics is the analysis of the entire genetic make-up of an organism. It includes a study of the functions of genes in cells, organs and organisms. This technology generates massive amounts of biological data through which it would be impossible to navigate without the use of computer systems. The data includes sequences of amino acids and nucleotides that underline genes & proteins. Genes carry information for making all the proteins required by all organisms. These proteins determine, among other things, how the organism looks, how well its body metabolizes food or fights infection, and sometimes even how it behaves. The completion of human genome sequencing in April 2003 marked the beginning of a new era for modern biology. Since that time, the impact of having the human sequence in hand has been nothing short of tremendous. The attainment of this goal, which many have compared to landing a man on the moon, will obviously have a profound effect on how biological and biomedical research will be conducted in the future. The intelligent use of sequence data from humans and other organisms, along with recent technological innovation fostered by the Human Genome Project, has already led to important advances in our understanding of diseases that have a genetic basis. More importantly, the advent of the genomic era will have a profound effect on how health care is delivered from this point forward.