Human and population genetics
Dr David Smyth
12 points * 10 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: GEN2022
This subject deals with two areas of modern genetics in depth. Firstly human genetics is covered, with an emphasis on gene mapping, DNA profiling, the molecular basis of genetic disease and immunogenetics. Applications to medical genetics are emphasised, including genetic screening, genetic counselling, genetics of human behaviour and ethical issues. Secondly, topics in population and quantitative genetics are discussed in detail including population structure, molecular evolution, mitochondrial DNA variation, pesticide resistance in populations and polygenic control of human disease. Practicals expose students to a range of procedures including preparation and analysis of human chromosomes, aspects of genetic counselling, and measurement and analysis of genetic variation in natural populations.
Assessment
Written (2500 words): 15% * Examinations (3 hours): 50% * Practical work: 35%
Prescribed texts
Conner J M and Ferguson-Smith M A Essential medical genetics 4th edn, Blackwell, 1993
Recommended texts
Alberts B and others Molecular biology of the cell 3rd edn, Garland, 1994
Gelehrter T D and Collins F S Principles of medical genetics Williams and Wilkins, 1990
Hartl D L and Clark A G Principles of population genetics 2nd edn, Sinauer, 1988
Lewin R Human evolution: An illustrated introduction 3rd edn, Blackwell, 1993
Li W-H and Graur D Fundamentals of molecular evolution Sinauer, 1991