Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
+ an understanding of the nature of genetic variation in organisms ranging in scale from bacteria to humans;
+ an understanding of genetic theory and its implications in modern evolutionary problems;
+ the application of genetics to a wide range of biological and medical problems;
+ experience in using new genetic techniques as well as an understanding of the roles that genes play in the development and reproduction of organisms;
+ an understanding of how genetics has facilitated the development of genetic engineering programs in industry and agriculture.
New techniques involving recombinant DNA manipulation have provided novel approaches for studying genes from all organisms. This fundamental knowledge is now being used for the investigation of a wide range of biological and medical problems. For example, the study of cancer-causing genes (oncogenes), the processes of plant and animal development and the basis of human genetic disease. New genetic techniques, together with an improved understanding of the roles that specific genes play in whole organism development and reproduction, have facilitated the development of genetic engineering programs to improve productivity in industry and agriculture. Recent developments in medical molecular genetics have involved the use of genes to treat inherited genetic disorders.
In the first year, genetics is taught as part of BIO1011 and BIO1022 (Biology). At the second-year level there are two sequential genetic subjects offered each worth eight points - GEN2011 (Genetic principles I - from chromosomes to populations ) and GEN2022 (Genetic principles II - prokaryotic, eukaryotic and molecular genetics). These lead on to two third-year subjects, GEN3011 (Molecular, developmental and applied genetics) and GEN3022 (Human and population genetics) each of which is worth twelve points. At fourth year, an honours course, GEN4000, may be taken. In addition, from 1996 onwards, a four point second year unit (GEN2032 - Genetics and the environment) will be offered which will focus on principles of genetics which have application to contemporary environmental issues.
Professor J D Hamill is the chief examiner for all genetics subjects.