Genetics underpins many contemporary social issues in health and agriculture. Modern biology has been transformed by DNA sequencing of full genomes and the application of recombinant DNA technology to a range of problems, including inherited disease, cancer biology and drug development, evolution of pandemics, development of better crops, antibiotic action for example. Applying and evaluating genetic technologies relies on an understanding of the principles of molecular genetics, which will be covered in this course.
This course introduces the molecular mechanisms involved in the storage and expression of genetic information in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics to be covered include: genome structure and evolution, DNA structure and packaging; DNA replication and repair; transcription; regulation of gene expression; RNA processing; protein synthesis and the genetic code. These processes will be illustrated with case studies, ranging from the human genome and genetic disease to genetically modified crops.
The course includes a lab project that reinforces lecture material and introduces students to key strategies and techniques of molecular 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:
- 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; genome structure and evolution)
- Apply knowledge of the roles and functions of these processes to a range of problems and examples
- Predict outcomes when these processes are perturbed by mutation (genetic disease) or the use of inhibitors and drugs
- Elucidate differences in gene organization between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Interpret and analyse experimental and theoretical problems involving these processes
- Apply knowledge and research applications for example, in designing experiments or analysing examples from the literature
- Communicate experimental results and conclusions in a scientific report
Other Information
Please email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory reports to apply knowledge to experimental/theoretical problem (33) [LO 2,3,5,6]
- 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 (12) [LO 3,5,6,7]
- Participation in PeerWise, a web-based activity where students create, answer and rate multiple choice questions (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final exam to demonstrate understanding, interpretation and problem solving (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 36 hours). 6 x 3 hours of practical sessions throughout the semester.
- Up to 6 hours of tutorials
- Approximately 70 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Genetics: a conceptual approach. Pierce, B. 6th or 7th edition
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3904 | 20 Feb 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | 26 May 2023 | In Person | N/A |
