This course covers principles and major concepts in genetics. In addition to the principles of Mendelian segregation and heredity, we will focus on topics of particular relevance to the study of evolution, ecology and phylogenetics, including:
- Population genetics
- Gene mapping
- Sequence diversification
- Quantitative genetics
This course is intended to be broadly relevant to all students with an interest in genetics, especially population and ecological genetics, and is also a prerequisite for Advances in Human Genetics.
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 understand and critically evaluate scientific and media reports on genetic technology and genetic breakthroughs as they effect our day to day lives. They will also have a thorough understanding of the principles underlying population genetics, and how this relates to the use of modern genetic markers in population and forensic studies. From their research project, students will learn to apply advanced statistical procedures in the analysis of codominant markers in forensic studies, and ecological studies involving relatedness estimates and paternity studies. Specific expected learning outcomes are:
1. A thorough understanding of the basic principles of DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation
2. An understanding of basic chromosome structure, and the significance of chromosomal change in evolution and illness
3. Development of the ability to carry out genetic analyses on data sets comprised of codominant genetic markers such as allozymes, microsatellites and SNPs, in order to quantify variation, gene flow and evolutionary divergence
4. The ability to carry out complex genetic tests on genetic data for the purposes of forensic study
Other Information
This course is an excellent accompaniment to postgraduate courses specialising in genetics, ecology, evolution or molecular biology.
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 topics will include genetic theory covered in lectures and laboratory skills and analysis taught in practical and lab project classes. This will be done via formal examination, and the submission of scientific reports on the lab work carried out throughout the semester. A report prepared on a lab research project will emphasise the application of modern statistical techniques in the analysis of genetic variation for forensic study. Assessment is discussed with students and tailored to each individual student's needs. Theory is generally tested using formal examination and emphasis given to one major lab project.
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
Three hours of lectures per week, and up to six practical/tutorial sessions of three hours
Requisite and Incompatibility
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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3480 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8344 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |