units

GEN2041

Faculty of Science

18 September 2017 26 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2013 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

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LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
Organisational UnitSchool of Biological Sciences
OfferedClayton First semester 2013 (Day)
Sunway First semester 2013 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Associate Professor Coral Warr (Clayton); Dr. Vasudevan Ramachandran (Sunway)

Synopsis

The principles, concepts, organisms and techniques of genetics are covered in this unit. Topics include: patterns of inheritance; structure and organisation of genes, chromosomes and genomes; gene regulation, mutation and gene function; relationship of genotype to phenotype; genetic linkage and gene mapping; chromosome variation and its role in both evolution and human disease. Examples are drawn from a range of organisms, including humans.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain the central role of genes in the inheritance of traits and the complex variations in inheritance patterns due to interaction of genes with each other and with the environment, and the common chromosomal and molecular mechanisms that underlie inheritance and the structure of DNA, genes and chromosomes;

  1. Explain what genes are, how they are regulated, how they control phenotypes, and how they can be altered by mutation;

  1. Describe a range of organisms used in studying genetics (viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, including humans) and explain their common and unique features;

  1. Understand the relevance and value of genetics to human society;

  1. Demonstrate skills in basic laboratory techniques, in genetics problem-solving and experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation;

  1. Demonstrate and recognise the value of working with peers.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%
Practical work (practical reports, mapping project, mid-semester and end-of-semester tests): 45%
Weekly assignments: 5%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Coral Warr

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour combined tutorial/laboratory session

Prerequisites

BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042. Recommended: MOL2011 (complementary unit)

Prohibitions

BMS2042