units

GEN2041

Faculty of Science

print version

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 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.

Monash University

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

School of Biological Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Richard Burke (Clayton); Dr. Jasmine Hue (Malaysia)

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

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%

Workload requirements

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

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prerequisites

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

Prohibitions