GEN2041

Foundations of genetics - heredity and you

(SCI)

Dr David Smyth

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour combined tutorial/laboratory session + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1032 or BIO1042; Chemistry at VCE level or higher is strongly recommended. MOL2011 is strongly recommended as a complementary subject.

Synopsis: Principles, concepts, organisms and techniques of genetics. Structure and organisation of genes, chromosomes and genomes. Cell division, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, mutation, life cycle and breeding systems in prokaryotes and lower and higher eukaryotes, gene mapping, genomics, chromosome variation and evolution. Illustrative practical exercises.

Assessment: Examinations (3 hours): 60% + Practical work (one mid-semester and one end-of-semester test, each of 50 minutes' duration): 35% + Satisfactory completion of four brief (<300 words) reports + Weekly assignments: 5%