Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Area of Study

Genetics is the study of genes - their structure, function, transmission and evolution. It lies at the centre of biology because the same genetic principles apply to microbes, plants, animals and humans.

Genetics and molecular biology are complementary disciplines that underpin many exciting areas of science such as biomedical science, biotechnology, conservation genetics, and forensics. Students completing this major will obtain a wide perspective across both disciplines, and an understanding of how they can be applied jointly in basic and applied science.

Objectives

On completion of the sequence in genetics students will:

• have developed an understanding of genetics, its principles, approaches and techniques, at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels
• have developed practical skills in experimental methods relevant to genetics, which may include: culture and breeding of microorganisms, whole animals and plants; histochemical and cytological techniques; molecular biology techniques involving recombinant DNA technologies; analysis of transgenic organisms; contemporary methods in genotyping and field sampling methods, including the use of modern equipment and software towards these ends
• be familiar with genetic bioinformatics and the utility of genomics for contemporary biological research
• be familiar with principles of experimental design, culture and manipulation of model genetic organisms
• be competent in data collection, data analysis, data presentation, and data interpretation
• have developed skills in critical, analytical and independent thinking, synthesis of literature, and written and oral communication
• have developed knowledge and appreciation of the application of genetics in the community at the medical, agricultural and environmental levels
• be fully prepared for further study, teaching, research and employment in the practical applications of genetics.

Level two

• GEN2041 Foundations of genetics
• GEN2052 Human and population genetics

Level three

• GEN3030 Genetics of development
• GEN3040 Genomics and molecular genetics
• GEN3051 Medical and forensic genetics
• GEN3062 Conservation and ecological genetics
• GEN3990 Genetics in action research project

Genetics

Minor sequence in genetics (24 points)

• BIO1011 and one of BIO1022 or BIO1042
• 12 points of GEN units at level two or three

Major sequence in genetics (48 points)

• BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042
• GEN2041 and GEN2052
• four of GEN3030, GEN3040, GEN3051, GEN3062*, GEN3990, or MOL2011

Genetics and molecular biology

Major sequence in genetics and molecular biology (48 points):

• BIO1011 and BIO1022
• MOL2011 and MOL2022
• GEN3040 and any three of GEN3030, GEN3051, GEN3062, GEN3990, GEN2041

A list of related units are provided in the 'biological sciences' entry in this section of the Handbook.

* This unit has compulsory level-two prerequisites.