6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in one of the following:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced with Honours
- Bachelor of Biotechnology
Prohibitions
Synopsis
This unit introduces the basic genetic principles underlying modern human genetics. Topics include: the central role of genes in the inheritance of traits, and the complex variation in inheritance patterns that arise due to interactions of genes with each other and the environment; the identification, characterisation and mapping of human genes; the value of model organisms in genetics; chromosome variation and its role in both evolution and human disease; how genes function and how genetic malfunction can lead to genetic disease; how an understanding of such diseases at the genetic level may assist in diagnosis, prevention and therapy; the genetic control of development; genetic counselling and calculating risk for genetic diseases; human evolutionary genetics.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Explain the central role of genes in the inheritance of traits and the complex variation in inheritance patterns that arise due to interactions of genes with each other and the environment;
- Explain how genetic variation is generated by mutation and the importance of this in phenotypic variation, evolution and disease;
- Describe the value of model organisms in studying human gene function in development and disease;
- Demonstrate understanding of the relevance and value of genetics to human society;
- Demonstrate skills in independent problem-solving and experimental design, and in data collection, analysis and interpretation;
- Demonstrate skills in written and oral communication through written reports and oral presentations of research findings by small groups.
Assessment
- Weekly practicals (30%)
- Short answer practical test (15%)
- Independent project (10%)
- Examination (2 hours) (45%) (hurdle)
Workload requirements
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information