• Offered by Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Classification Advanced
    Specialist
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Health Medicine and the Body
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Prof Susan Howitt
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Co-taught Course
  • Offered in First Semester 2015
    See Future Offerings

This course covers the principles of the transmission and expression of genetic information, in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 

Topics to be covered include: 

  • Cell structure and function
  • DNA structure and packaging
  • DNA replication and repair
  • Transcription
  • Regulation of gene expression
  • RNA processing
  • Protein synthesis
  • The genetic code
  • Protein trafficking and degradation

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1.Explain the basic processes involved in the expression of genetic information (DNA replication; mutagenesis and DNA repair; mRNA transcription and processing; gene regulation; protein synthesis and trafficking;  the cell cycle)
2. Understand the roles and functions of these processes
3. Predict outcomes when these processes are perturbed by mutation (genetic disease) or the use of inhibitors and drugs
4. Understand differences between gene organization in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
5. Interpret and analyse experimental and theoretical problems involving these processes
6. Apply knowledge and research applications for example, in designing experiments or analysing examples from the literature

Other Information

The Biology Teaching and Learning Centre is located in Building 116. Alternatively you can email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Indicative Assessment

Assessment will be based on:

  • Laboratory reports to apply knowledge to experimental/theoretical problem (30%; LO 1,3,4, 5)
  • Tutorial tests to demonstrate mastery and understanding of content  (20%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
  • Assignments - linked to the laboratory course to extend understanding and application of both theory and techniques learnt (20%; LO 3, 5, 6)
  • Final exam to demonstrate understanding, interpretation and problem solving (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

Two lectures per week; five laboratory sessions of up to four hours each; ten one-hour tutorials.

Requisite and Incompatibility

You are not able to enrol in this course if you have completed BIOL2161.

You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Student Contribution Band:
2
Unit value:
6 units

If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.  Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2015 $3096
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2015 $4146
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

First Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
1629 16 Feb 2015 06 Mar 2015 31 Mar 2015 29 May 2015 In Person N/A

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions