Undergraduate - Area of study Genetics

Minor in genetics (24 points)

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

Major in genetics (48 points)

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

* MOL2011 requires BIO1011 and BIO1022

Extended major in genetics (72 points)

• BIO1011 and BIO1022
• GEN2041, GEN2052, MOL2011 and MOL2022
• GEN3030, GEN3040, GEN3051, GEN3062, BIO3011* and one of GEN3990 or any level three BCH, MIC* or DEV* unit

* These units have additional pre-requisites at either level one or level two that need to be taken in addition to the units listed.

Requirements for honours in genetics

• 24 points of relevant level three units, of which normally 18 points are genetics units.

Additional information

Level one

Students studying genetics in their first year will take BIO1011 (Biology I) plus BIO1022 (Biology II) and/or BIO1042 (Environmental biology). Note that students intending to complete MOL2011 as part of their major must take BIO1022. The focus in first year is to acquire basic knowledge of the inheritance of genes, the structure and expression of genes and the principles of population genetics as a stepping stone to the comprehensive treatment of these subjects provided at level two.

Level two

Students wishing to complete a major in genetics must complete the two level two genetics units GEN2041 and GEN2052. Together these units provide a comprehensive grounding in all the concepts needed for the advanced, specialised genetics units offered at level three. MOL2011 can also be taken as an alternative to one of the level three genetics units and is highly recommended for students with a particular interest in the areas of biomedical science and biotechnology. Students wishing to complete an extended major in genetics must complete the level two genetics units GEN2041 and GEN2052 and the level two molecular biology units MOL2011 and MOL2022. Together these units provide a comprehensive grounding in all the concepts needed for the advanced, specialised genetics units offered at level three. In the level two genetics units students examine in detail how genes interact both with other genes and with environmental factors to control traits. The nature of the 'gene' is explored in detail, including gene regulation, function and mutation. Students explore how the availability of whole genome sequences for numerous organisms allows us to ask how genetic variation in individuals or in populations arises, is maintained, and allows species to change, adapt and evolve. Finally, students are introduced to the basic molecular genetic 'toolkit' that allows researchers to manipulate and study genes in a wide range of genetic model organisms from prokaryotes through to complex multicellular eukaryotes.

Level three

In the level three genetics units students investigate specialised areas at the cutting edge of modern genetic research, building on the concepts gained in earlier levels. Studies in GEN3040 explore recent advances in whole genome and bioinformatic approaches and how they can be used both to identify and study the genetic basis of simple and complex traits, and to find and use genetic variation to answer important ecological and evolutionary questions. Applications of these techniques to human health, sustainable food production and security and environmental management are considered. In GEN3030 students will explore the latest techniques for studying gene function, including visualising gene regulation in vivo and artificially activating or inhibiting gene activity in plants and animals. The application of these methods will be demonstrated using examples from the genetic study of fundamental cellular, developmental and physiological processes, such as programmed cell death, cell-cell communication, cell movement, tissue patterning, neuronal signalling, and cellular homeostasis. GEN3051 examines the role our genes play in human health, development and evolution and how disease can arise due to a mix of genetic defects and environmental influences, and how forensic science exploits our genetic similarities and differences to identify individuals from biological samples and to determine relationships between individuals. In GEN3062 students explore how evolutionary processes shape patterns of biodiversity by focusing on genetic diversity in an ecological context, what it is, how to measure it and how it underpins adaptation and contributes to successful biodiversity. All level three units involve extensive practical work exercises, and for high-achieving students keen to get into a real laboratory, GEN3990 is available, a project-based unit where the student carries out a research project in the laboratory of one of the genetics academic staff.

Note that [http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/units/genetics_streams.htmlhttp://monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/units/genetics_streams.html (http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/units/genetics_streams.html){recommended course streams]] for the major are available.

Honours

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must meet the entry requirements for the science honours program relevant to their course of enrolment. See the entries for:

• S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)
• 0051 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• 2188 Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program) (Honours)

Full details regarding the course structure for honours in this area of study are outlined in course 0051 Bachelor of Science (Honours).