Have you ever watched a crime show on TV and wondered just how DNA forensic analysis really works? Does everyone really have a unique DNA fingerprint? Have you been tempted to spend $100 to get your own DNA tested? If so, did you know that your test results could help you to trace your ethnic background, find missing relatives and even help the police find a murderer? Have you ever wondered why you are a similar height to your siblings - is it because of your genes, or because of the environment you grew up in? Why do traits vary even when their underlying DNA sequence is exactly the same? What role does genetics play in your risk of developing diseases such as diabetes?

This course will introduce you to 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 Next Generation Sequencing and its emerging and far reaching applications in human forensics and conservation genetics; and genetic adaptation including epigenetics and plasticity.

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:

1. Explain to an audience of subject matter experts the key concepts in population, evolutionary and quantitative genetics including: the basis and estimation of genetic variation; Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium; genetic drift; effective population size, population substructure, inbreeding and inbreeding depression; genetic adaptation including epigenetics and genetic plasticity; and heritability.
2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the molecular laboratory techniques used routinely in human forensic analysis and population genetic analysis including sex typing, Short-Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA profiling, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) detection, Sanger DNA sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing.
3. Perform the statistical analysis of genetic data relevant to forensic, conservation, quantitative and evolutionary genetics, and summarise and critically interpret the outcomes. This will be done by hand, calculator, and other statistical software including the widely-used package R.
4. Learn how to use the genetic software GenAlEx, then using this package analyse 1 or more DNA databases to statistically test whether the assumptions made in forensic DNA analysis hold. Based on this statistical analysis and a critical evaluation of the literature, write a scientific report that demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the strengths and limitations of forensic DNA analysis.
5. 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

The course includes a 3 hour on-campus invigilated hand-written exam which is held in the examination period at the end of the semester. In order to pass the course, you must achieve a minimum of 45% on this exam.

Required Resources

You are required to bring a hard copy of the practical manual to the practical sessions.

Recommended Resources

Textbooks:

Although we do not strictly follow a textbook, where possible we refer students to the text adopted in BIOL2161: Pierce, B (2020) Genetics a conceptual approach. 7^th Ed Freeman, or Pierce, B (2017) Genetics a conceptual approach. 6^th Ed (Both these, and even earlier editions, are appropriate). Copies of these and other relevant reading material are placed on short-term loan in the library. The library also provides access to an online copy of Pierce (2020), and other relevant reading material electronically.

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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial
2	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial 1x 2 hour on-campus practical
3	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial	No Monday practical due to Canberra Day public holiday. Mini-assessment 1, due Wed Mar 11.
4	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial 1x 2 hour on-campus practical
5	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial 1x 2 hour on-campus practical 1x 1 hour extra on-campus tutorial	Mini-assessment 2, due Wed Mar 25. Your extra tutorial session will provide training in advanced genetic analysis to aid your completion of Assignment 2.
6	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial 1x 2 hour on-campus practical 1x 1 hour extra on-campus tutorial	Assignment 1, due Wed Apr 1. Your extra tutorial session will provide training in advanced genetic analysis to aid your completion of Assignment 2.
7	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial
8	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial	Assignment 2, due Wed Apr 29.
9	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial	Mini-assessment 3, due Wed May 6.
10	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial	Assignment 3, completed in class, due Wed May 13.
11	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial
12	3-5 x pre-recorded online mini-lectures 1x 2 hour on-campus tutorial	Mini-assessment 4, due May 27.

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	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Forensic DNA analysis	18 %	01/04/2026	01/05/2026	1,2,3
The statistics of Forensic DNA analysis	25 %	29/04/2026	29/05/2026	1,2,3,4
Epigenetics	7 %	13/05/2026	27/05/2026	1,3,4
Mini-assessment tasks, course engagement and participation	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Final Exam	40 %	*	*	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 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.

Participation

All students are required to attend one of the scheduled 2 hour tutorial sessions each week. These hands-on learning sessions offer class-level and individual-level activities that focus on the theory and calculations relevant to the mini-lecture content, mini-assessment tasks and assignments. Students are offered ample time for interaction with class members and the course lecturers, as well as the opportunity to seek additional individual level guidance and assistance. In-class time is also offered for completing mini-assessment tasks. Attendance at the four wet lab practical sessions in the first six weeks of semester is also essential to maximise your ability to fully complete Assignment 1 which is based on the practicals.

Examination(s)

One final 3 hour on-campus invigilated hand-written exam, worth 40% 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 wet lab practical sessions. You must provide these answers, using relevant literature with supporting references, in the digital template provided on Canvas. The assignment also requires you to access GenBank and other online resources to access and manipulate DNA sequences. Students who use AI resources, such as ChatGPT, to aid completion of the task must include a paragraph summarising how the resource was used and critically evaluating the utility of AI. For full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for this assignment and use of AI, please refer to the course Canvas 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. Students who use AI resources, such as ChatGPT, to aid completion of the task must include a paragraph summarising how the resource was used and critically evaluating the utility of AI. For full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for this assignment and use of AI, please refer to the course Canvas site. Please note that the return date of assessment is indicative only.

Assessment Task 3

Epigenetics

For this assignment, and within your tutorial session, you are required to prepare a short essay on epigenetics and to critically evaluate the utility of AI resources, such as ChatGPT, to aid completion of the task. Please refer to the course Canvas site for the full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for this assignment, and the acceptable use of AI. Please note that the return date of assessment is indicative only.

Assessment Task 4

Mini-assessment tasks, course engagement and participation

Four small regular assessment tasks tied to the lecture, mini-lectures and tutorial content, with max 2% per task for a total of 8%. The tasks are spread across the course at 2-3 week intervals. An additional max 2% is offered for course engagement and participation. Please refer to the course Canvas site for the full instructions, including details on the format and page limits for these tasks and the acceptable use of AI.

Assessment Task 5

Final Exam

This will be a 3 hour on-campus invigilated hand-written exam which is held in the examination period at the end of the semester, worth 40% of the total course marks. In order to pass the course, you must achieve a minimum of 45% on this exam.

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 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

We require electronic submission for all assignments, including those assignments requiring hand calculations for which a digital copy of any such calculations must be provided. 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. 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.

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 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