gen3hmg molecular genetics

MOLECULAR GENETICS

GEN3HMG

2016

Credit points: 30

Subject outline

This unit introduces students to more advanced concepts and methods in human and molecular genetics. The topics covered include: genes and development including molecular regulation of embryogenesis, mouse genetics, stems cells and cancer; organisation of the genetic material, including molecular organisation of eukaryotic chromosomes, arrangement of chromosomes in the nucleus; mobile genetics elements; the genetic structure of human populations; molecular evidence for human evolution; forensic genetics, genomics applications and ethical implications; functional mapping of single and multifactorial human genetic diseases, introduction to gene and cellular therapy.

SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points30

Subject Co-ordinatorAdam Hart

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites GEN2MHG or GEN2HMG

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsGenetics Analysis and PrinciplesRecommendedBrooker, RMCGRAW HILL 2011
ReadingsHuman Embryology and developmentalRecommendedCarlson, BELSEVIER 2013
ReadingsHuman Evolutionary GeneticsRecommendedJobling M.A, Hurles. M and Tyler-Smith CGARLAND SCIENCE 2004
ReadingsHuman Molecular GeneticsRecommendedSudbury and SudburySINAUER ASSOC. 1997
ReadingsHuman Molecular Genetics 4th EditionRecommendedStrachan, T and Read, A.P.GARLAND SCIENCE 2011
ReadingsPrinciple of DevelopmentRecommendedWolpert, L and Tickle COXFORD 2010

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Analyse and evaluate experimental and published data relating to molecular genetics experiments to prepare a comprehensive laboratory report.

Activities:
Information about the research area, experimental and data analysis techniques, and report preparation guidelines are outlined in the practical manual and associated online (moodle) resources and are further explained in practical class/es and tutorial/s. Students have to conduct experiments in the practical classes, analyse and write up experimental results.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

02. Articulate and apply advanced genetics concepts and analytical methods in the genetic control of development, the structure and function of genes and chromosomes, human variation, genetic disease and genome biology.

Activities:
Genetics concepts and analytical methods are explained in lectures and recommended reading. Students participate in theory revision sessions. Students can revise content and practice their knowledge via online resources (Moodle, Peerwise) including: practice exam questions, discussion groups, lectopia and other materials. Students attempt 2 in-class multiple choice exams and can use the feedback on these exams to structure their revision before the end-of-semester examination (2 x 1.5 hour theory exams).
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Writing(Writing)

03. Apply advanced molecular genetics laboratory methods to generate and analyse high quality experimental data.

Activities:
Students will learn and apply techniques for microscopy, micropippetting, electrophoresis, column chromatography, blood culture, karyotyping, histochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme digestion, image analysis and statistical analysis in the practical classes.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Writing(Writing)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

04. Analyse, discuss and present research information to peers and a scientific audience.

Activities:
Journal Club presentations: Information necessary for completing this assignment is available in the practical manual as well as online guidelines. Students need to select, read and discuss a research article from a provided list. Students present a discussion and critique of the research study, followed by answering questions from the academics. Written feedback is given by academics, demonstrators and peers. Clinical case studies poster presentation: Students have to diagnose a genetic disease from provided clinical data. Instructions to prepare a poster presentation will be given. Posters will be presented in a poster symposium, followed by questions from academics. Written feedback is given by academics, demonstrators and peers.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)
Speaking(Speaking)

05. Use bioinformatics to solve genetics problems.

Activities:
Information to complete assignments is available in the practical manual and online guidelines. Individually and in small groups, students will use the genetics computer lab to access online worksheets, tutorials, genome databases and bioinformatics tools to solve genetics problems: - Students have to complete bioinformatics worksheets using online tutorials and database mining tools. - Students generate VNTR and RFLP (DNA variation) data in the laboratory and then use online sequence analysis and comparison tools to discover ApoB and PTC genotype/phenotype corelation, then analyse and describe the evolution of these genotypes and traits. - Students use online databases and apply gene search and analysis tools to analyse clinical case study data.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

06. Apply clinical problem solving skills to diagnose genetic diseases.

Activities:
Information about the assignment is available from the practical manual and a practical briefing is given on clinical problem solving. Students analyse clinical genetics data by DNA bioinformatics or karyotype analysis using online guides and resources, and diagnose the genetic disease. Students discuss their findings with demonstrators in a tutorial. Students then prepare a case study poster and present the poster (5 minutes), which is followed by questions (10 minutes) from genetics academics in a poster symposium. Written feedback on the posters and poster presentations is given by academics, demonstrators and peers. Prizes are awarded to the top group in each practical class.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

07. Discuss and debate the ethical implications of Genetics research.

Activities:
In the first session, groups of 8 students will be provided with published opinion and research on current genetics topics such as: criminal DNA databases; control of DNA information; saviour siblings; paternity; predictive genetic testing; forensic medicine and Informed consent. Students will discuss the topic and undertake further independent research. In a second session students will form groups of four to take opposing sides in the discussion mediated by a tutor. Opposing groups will summarize their arguments in front of academics and class in the final session.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Speaking(Speaking)
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2016, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment size100

Enrolment information Laboratory space Applicants will be ranked based on GEN2MHG score.

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAdam Hart

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Four 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 6.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Type: equivalent Directed Learning Activity Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Group presentations including journal club pres. (10min) and case study pres. and questions (15 min)1602, 04, 05, 06
Laboratory & ethical assessment (incl. 3 reports, 2 worksheets, clay embryo model and ethics debate)2401, 02, 03, 05, 07
Two 1.5-hour exams (end of semester)5002
Two mid-semester tests (30 minutes each)1002

Singapore, 2016, Week 45-07, Night

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAdam Hart

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 45
One 48.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays at night in week 45 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

Laboratory ClassWeek: 45
One 6.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays at night in week 45 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Type: equivalent Directed Learning Activity Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Group presentations including journal club pres. (10min) and case study pres. and questions (15 min)1602, 04, 05, 06
Laboratory & ethical assessment (incl. 3 reports, 2 worksheets, clay embryo model and ethics debate)2401, 02, 03, 05, 07
Two 1.5-hour exams (end of semester)5002
Two mid-semester tests (30 minutes each)1002