Genetics underpins many contemporary issues in health, technology and agriculture. Modern biology has been transformed by advances in DNA sequencing, whole-genome synthesis and the application of gene technologies to a wide range of problems. These include the development of mRNA vaccines, targeted gene therapies, novel cancer treatments, stress-resilient high-yield crops and more sustainable food products. Applying and evaluating such genetic technologies requires a solid understanding of the principles of molecular genetics, which form the foundation of this course.

 

This course explores the molecular mechanisms that govern the storage and expression of genetic information in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics include genome structure and evolution; DNA organisation, replication and repair; transcription; regulation of gene expression; RNA processing; protein synthesis and the genetic code. These processes are illustrated through case studies, ranging from the human genome and genetic diseases to genetically modified crops.

 

The course includes a laboratory project designed to reinforce lecture material and introduce students to key strategies and techniques in molecular genetics.

This course also offers optional HPO and ASE pathways. Students enrolled in these streams will be expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the course material and to complete an independent or group inquiry-based research project.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain the basic processes involved in the expression of genetic information;
2. Apply knowledge of the roles and functions of the mechanisms of DNA replication to a range of problems and examples
3. Predict outcomes when DNA replication; DNA repair; mRNA transcription and processing; gene regulation; protein synthesis; genome structure and evolution are perturbed by mutation (genetic disease) or the use of inhibitors and drugs.
4. Understand and analyse differences in gene organization between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
5. Analyse experimental and theoretical problems involving DNA replication; mutagenesis and DNA repair; mRNA transcription and processing; gene regulation; protein synthesis; genome structure and evolution.

Research-Led Teaching

BIOL2161 encourages students to develop a critical attitude towards science and to understand its evidence-based nature. Students will have opportunities to discuss case studies, problems and questions in class and online. These will be based on topical issues and applications of the material covered. Contemporary and historical controversies in genetics will also be introduced. These activities aim to show students how science evolves, as well as the relevance of genetics. The practical component consists of a semester-long research project in which students isolate and analyse mutants, giving them an opportunity to experience experimental strategies in genetics and use fundamental techniques. This also provides experience in recording, handling and interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data obtained in the experiments. The emphasis in the practical project is on generating and evaluating data because students must use experimental evidence to support a conclusion about the genotypes of the mutants they have isolated.

Examination Material or equipment

Assessment consists of open-book online quizzes delivered on Canvas and a final exam held in person. All answers must be the student's own work as per the ANU academic integrity guidelines.

Recommended Resources

Recommended textbook:

Genetics: A Conceptual Approach by Benjamin Pierce, 6th or 7th edition

Other requirements:

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

This course offers an HPO:

HPO students will be required to attend two additional lab sessions and submit an additional lab report at the end of the semester.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Module 1 - Weeks 1-3DNA structure, replication and repair	Self-paced lab tutorials (not-assessed). Quiz 1 (week 4)
2	Module 2 - Weeks 4-6Gene structure, expression and regulation in prokaryotes	1st practical lab report (week 5) and quiz 2 (week 6)
3	Module 3 - Weeks 7-8Gene structure, expression and regulation in eukaryotes	Self-paced lab tutorials (not assessed)
4	Module 4 - Weeks 9-10Genomes and evolution	Quiz 3 (week 10)
5	Module 5 - Weeks 11-12Case studies and revision	2nd practical report (week 11), quiz 4 (week 12) and PeerWise deadline (week 12).

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Module 1 quiz	5 %	20/03/2026	1,2,3,4
Lab report 1	15 %	26/03/2026	2,3,5
Module 2 quiz	5 %	02/04/2026	1,2,3,4
Module 3 quiz	5 %	15/05/2026	1,2,3,4
Lab report 2	20 %	21/05/2026	2,3,5
PeerWise participation	5 %	29/05/2026	1,2,3,4
Module 4 Quiz	5 %	25/05/2026	1,2,3,4
End of Semester Exam	40 %	*

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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 2.5 hour on-campus invigilated hand-written exam, worth 40% of the total course marks. The exam will cover the entire course and will include some questions that require integration of material from different modules and the practical course.

Assessment Task 1

Module 1 quiz

There will be 4 online Canvas quizzes worth 5% each, one covering each of the first 4 modules. These Canvas quizzes will be open for 53 hours from 5 pm Wednesday to 10 pm Friday in weeks 4, 6, 10 and 12. Marks and feedback will be provided through Canvas one week after the test.

No extensions are permitted for these assessment items as the goal is to provide rapid revision and feedback of comprehension. Students who have a valid reason and documentation (e.g. sick with medical certificate) for not being able to complete a quiz will have the average grade from the other three quizzes scaled accordingly. Students who miss more than 1 quiz will need to do a makeup quiz at the end of semester.

Assessment Task 2

Lab report 1

You will write two lab reports associated with the practical laboratories, and these will be submitted through Canvas and assessed for plagiarism via Turnitin. Guides, report sheets and marking rubrics are provided in the lab manual and on Canvas.

The practical component of the course is an integrated lab and online experience, covering theory, experimental design and data analysis as well as hands-on lab skills. Full details are available in the laboratory manual on the website.

Assessment Task 3

Module 2 quiz

There will be 4 online tests worth 5% each, one covering each of the first 4 modules. These Canvas quizzes will be open for 53 hours from 5 pm Wednesday to 10 pm Friday in weeks 4, 6, 10 and 12. Marks and feedback will be provided through Canvas one week after the test.

No extensions are permitted for these assessment items as the goal is to provide rapid revision and feedback of comprehension. Students who have a valid reason and documentation (e.g. sick with medical certificate) for not being able to complete a quiz will have the average grade from the other three quizzes scaled accordingly. Students who miss more than 1 quiz will need to do a makeup quiz at the end of semester.

Assessment Task 4

Module 3 quiz

There will be 4 online tests worth 5% each, one covering each of the first 4 modules. These Canvas quizzes will be open for 53 hours from 5 pm Wednesday to 10 pm Friday in weeks 4, 6, 10 and 12. Marks and feedback will be provided through Canvas one week after the test.

No extensions are permitted for these assessment items as the goal is to provide rapid revision and feedback of comprehension. Students who have a valid reason and documentation (e.g. sick with medical certificate) for not being able to complete a quiz will have the average grade from the other three quizzes scaled accordingly. Students who miss more than 1 quiz will need to do a makeup quiz at the end of semester.

Assessment Task 5

Lab report 2

You will write two lab reports associated with the practical laboratories, and these will be submitted through Canvas and assessed for plagiarism via Turnitin. Guides, report sheets and marking rubrics are provided in the lab manual and on Canvas.

The practical component of the course is an integrated lab and online experience, covering theory, experimental design and data analysis as well as hands-on lab skills. Full details are available in the laboratory manual on the website.

Assessment Task 6

PeerWise participation

PeerWise is an online resource that enables students to write, answer and comment on multiple-choice questions. Marks will be allocated according to the level of participation, with requirements for numbers of questions answered, commented on and written. Students are expected to contribute on an ongoing basis throughout the semester. Further details are available on the Canvas site.

Assessment Task 7

Module 4 Quiz

There will be 4 online tests worth 5% each, one covering each of the first 4 modules. These Canvas quizzes will be open for 53 hours from 5 pm Wednesday to 10 pm Friday in weeks 4, 6, 10 and 12. Marks and feedback will be provided through Canvas one week after the test.

No extensions are permitted for these assessment items as the goal is to provide rapid revision and feedback of comprehension. Students who have a valid reason and documentation (e.g. sick with medical certificate) for not being able to complete a quiz will have the average grade from the other three quizzes scaled accordingly. Students who miss more than 1 quiz will need to do a makeup quiz at the end of semester.

Assessment Task 8

End of Semester Exam

Will be in the form of an invigilated in-person exam. Students will be allowed to bring a single A4 page (double sided) of written study notes.

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 and results returned to the student (official end of Semester results released on ISIS). Students should consult the course Canvas site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the end of semester exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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 permitted. 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. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marks and feedback for each quiz will be provided online 1 week after the test closes.

Lab reports will be returned two weeks after submission.

PeerWise marks will be allocated 1 week after the final deadline.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students