Undergraduate - UnitGEN3040 - Advanced molecular genetics and its applications

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Synopsis

Building on basic knowledge gained from completing second year Genetics units at Monash, or equivalent, this unit will incorporate recent information gained from international genome analysis projects involving a wide range of species, ranging from unicellular to multicellular organisms, including humans and close relatives and also incorporating recent advances relating to agriculturally important animals and plants. Relevant advances relating to the regulation of gene activity and its ability to control and improve growth, development, health and performance at both the cellular and the whole organism level will be examined. Such information will increasingly be important in the 21st century for sustainable development of human civilization in concert with a healthy planetary environment. Students will acquire relevant laboratory skills involving advanced techniques in molecular genetics, use of genes in biotechnology, genomic analysis, computer assisted genetic database analysis and bioinformatics.

Outcomes

When GEN3040 has been completed, students will:

1. be able to demonstrate understanding of recent advances in genetic knowledge gained from international genome analysis projects involving a wide range of species, ranging from unicellular to multicellular organisms;
2. be capable of explaining the main mechanisms by which genes are regulated by environmental and/or developmental cues;
3. be able to describe the use of molecular genetics to undertake beneficial research to solve problems of importance in health, industry, and global agriculture;
4. have developed advanced practical skills, both individual and team-related, involving a range of molecular genetic and analytical techniques and procedures used worldwide in genetics laboratories;
5. be able to critically evaluate molecular genetics literature and to present experimental data relating to rapidly advancing topics in a scientific and professional manner.

Assessment

End of semester written examination: 60%
Mid-semester test: 10%
Practical reports, genetics problem solving exercises, independent genetic database analysis or critical literature review: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor John Bowman

Contact hours

5-6 hours per week (two lectures and one lecture/tutorial session per week for 12 weeks; one 3-hour practical session per week for 9 weeks)

Prerequisites

12 points of level two GEN, MOL, BMS or BTH units. Strongly recommended: GEN2052 or MOL2022.