This course introduces the principles of population, evolutionary and quantitative genetics. We do this by asking: what can we learn from DNA? In answering this question we focus on the practical applications of the theory illustrated by human forensic DNA analysis, conservation genetics and evolutionary genetics. In the practical component of the course, students will gain hands on experience in human forensic DNA profiling in the laboratory, as well as statistical analysis skills across a range of genetic topics. Other topics covered include epigenetics and next generation sequencing.

Honours pathway option (HPO)          

Entry to the HPO requires a mark of at least 75 in BIOL1003 or BIOL1004 and approval of the course convenor. The options available may vary from year to year.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain the key concepts in population, evolutionary and quantitative genetics including: the basis of genetic variation; heritability; Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium; roles of migration, mutation and genetic drift in evolution; inbreeding and inbreeding depression; epigenetics.
2. Understand the range of molecular laboratory techniques used routinely in human forensic analysis and population genetic analysis including sex typing, DNA profiling, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) detection and DNA sequencing.
3. Perform by hand, calculator and computer software the statistical analysis of genetic data relevant to forensic, conservation, quantitative and evolutionary genetics, and summarise and interpret the outcomes.
4. Search the literature to identify papers relevant to the genetic data sets provided for statistical analysis and integrate and evaluate the findings in written form.

Examination Material or equipment

Non-programmable calculators are the only permitted materials. Complete all answers on the exam paper. Previous copies of exams are not posted by the University. However, sample exam questions and papers will provided within Wattle. Students with written approval from the School are permitted to bring an unannotated paper-based dictionary.

Required Resources

You are required to purchase the laboratory manual for this course at a nominal fee.

Recommended Resources

Although we do not strictly follow a textbook, where possible we refer students to the text adopted in BIOL2161: Freeman or Pierce, B (2014) Genetics a conceptual approach. 5^th Ed Freeman, or Pierce, B (2017) Genetics a conceptual approach. 6^th Ed (Both editions are appropriate). Copies of these and other relevant reading material are placed on short-term loan in the library.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Weeks 1-6 3x 1hr lectures per week, 1x 3 hr practical	Assignments 1 & 2
2	Weeks 7-12 3x 1hr lectures per week, 2x 3hr computer based tutorials TBA	Assignment 3

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Forensic DNA analysis	15 %	24/03/2020	07/04/2020	1,2,3
The statistics of Forensic DNA analysis	25 %	21/04/2020	12/05/2020	1,2,3,4
Quantitative Genetics	15 %	19/05/2020	02/06/2020	1,3,4
Final Exam	45 %	04/06/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

One final exam, worth 45% of the total course marks. A minimum of 45% in this final exam is required to pass the course.

Assessment Task 1

Introduction to Forensic DNA analysis

For this assignment you are required to answer a series of questions on the content and outcomes of the practical sessions in weeks 1 to 4. You must provide these answers, using relevant literature with supporting references, in the digital template provided on Wattle. For full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for this assignment, please refer to the course Wattle site. Please note, that the return date of assessment is indicative only.

Assessment Task 2

The statistics of Forensic DNA analysis

For this assignment you are required to prepare a scientific report that addresses the topic. The report will include statistical analysis, interpretation and use relevant literature with supporting references, as outlined in the assignment instructions. Please refer to the course Wattle site for the full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for this assignment. Please note, that the return date of assessment is indicative only.

Assessment Task 3

Quantitative Genetics

For this assignment you are required to prepare a short report. The report will includes statistical analysis, interpretation and may require the use of relevant literature and supporting references, as outlined in the assignment instructions. Please refer to the course Wattle site for the full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for this assignment. Please note, that the return date of assessment is indicative only.

Assessment Task 4

Final Exam

This will be a 3 hr exam, scheduled by examinations in the final exam period. Non-programmable calculators are the only permitted materials. Complete all answers on the exam paper. Previous copies of exams are not posted by the University. However, sample exam questions and papers will provided within Wattle. A minimum mark of 45% on this exam is required to pass the course.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

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.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

In 2020 we require electronic submission for all assignments, including those assignments requiring hand calculations. Accordingly, all feedback and marks will be returned electronically.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

It is not possible to resubmit assignments in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students