The subject of genetics has expanded considerably over the last few decades. The techniques of recombinant DNA manipulation have provided new procedures for the study of genes. The study of genetics will provide students with:
* an understanding of the nature of genetic variation in organisms ranging in scale from bacteria to humans;
* an understanding of genetic theory and its implications in modern evolutionary problems;
* the application of genetics to a wide range of biological and medical problems;
* experience in using new genetic techniques as well as an understanding of the roles that genes play in the development and reproduction of organisms;
* an understanding of how genetics has facilitated the development of genetic engineering programs in industry and agriculture.
The discipline
The Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology offers courses in second, third and fourth year to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of modern genetics and the role of genes in controlling the development of whole organisms.
New techniques involving recombinant DNA manipulation have provided novel approaches for studying genes from all organisms. This fundamental knowledge is now being used for the investigation of a wide range of biological and medical problems. For example, the study of cancer-causing genes (oncogenes), the processes of plant and animal development and the basis of human genetic disease. New genetic techniques, together with an improved understanding of the roles that specific genes play in whole organism development and reproduction, have facilitated the development of genetic engineering programs to improve productivity in industry and agriculture. Recent developments in medical molecular genetics have involved the use of genes to treat inherited genetic disorders.
In the first year, genetics is taught as part of BIO1011 and BIO1022 (Biology). At the second-year level there are two sequential genetic subjects offered - GEN2011 and GEN2022. These lead on to two third-year subjects, GEN3011 (Molecular, developmental and applied genetics) and GEN3022 (Human and population genetics). At fourth year, an honours course, GEN4000, may be taken.
Professor J D Hamill is the chief examiner for all genetics subjects.