| Semester 2, 2023 Online | |
| Units : | 1 |
| School or Department : | School of Agriculture and Environmental Science |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Requisites
Pre-requisite: BIO1100 or BIO1101 or BIO1204 or AGR1101
Overview
Genetics is the study of inheritance or how organisms use and transfer biological information during their lifetimes. An understanding of the principles of genetics is important for an informed awareness of many human problems related to genetic dysfunction. Furthermore, knowledge of genetics is necessary for students whose future professions involve the physiology, pathology, agricultural, food science, nutrition, microbiology and biotechnology fields.
The course presents the scientific basis of heredity. The course commences with a review of mitosis and meiosis, an overview of Mendelian genetics and introduces complex genetic traits and the effects of inbreeding. Next, the impacts of gene frequency changes on the evolution of populations are considered. Mapping the location of genes on chromosomes, chromosomal variation and the effects of mutations on gene expression are studied. Aspects of medical and agricultural genetics are explored in detail including the genetic basis of human, animal and plant disease, DNA testing, genetic counselling, biotechnology and gene therapy.
Course learning outcomes
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- explain the principles of Mendelian genetics and inheritance of quantitative traits
- describe the principles of population genetics and how genotype and phenotype frequencies can change over time
- explain the process of gene mapping, chromosomal variation and the impacts of mutagens on chromosome structure
- demonstrate an appreciation of the implications of inheritance in human, animal and plant health
- apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems in genetics
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Classical Genetics: gene & chromosome transmission | 30.00 |
| 2. | Population Genetics: genetic variability within populations | 10.00 |
| 3. | Molecular Genetics: mapping, expression & mutation of genes; the genetic basis of human disease | 60.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz 1 | No | 30 | 1,2,4,5 |
| Problem Solving | No | 40 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Quiz 2 | No | 30 | 3,4,5 |