gen2ege ecological genetics

ECOLOGICAL GENETICS AND EVOLUTION

GEN2EGE

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject ideas, concepts and methods relevant to the study of population genetics and evolution are presented. Areas covered include theoretical and quantitative methods of population genetic and phylogenetic analysis; macro- and microevolutionary theory; new concepts in evolutionary thinking (such as evolution & development, and epigenetics)

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorWarwick Grant

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites BIO1GEN or BIO1MGC or BIO1EEB

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects GEN2EEG

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Produce grammatically correct scientific reports that present evidence based explanations of laboratory experiments.

Activities:
Extensive outline of the desired layout and contents of the written task are included in the practical manual. Part of a practical session prior to each report being submitted is dedicated to explaining to the students how to complete the task.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

02. Conduct an oral presentation of scientific paper which the students have researched to their peers.

Activities:
Part of a practical session is dedicated to teaching the students what constitutes a good oral presentation. Information is also included in the prac manual.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Speaking(Speaking)

03. Analyse and evaluate numerical data from experiments and apply relevant quantitative methods to genetic concepts.

Activities:
Students work in small groups or individually during a practical session to learn how to apply statistics to test scientific hypotheses and determine significance.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Writing(Writing)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

04. Demonstrate independent research skills by locating and evaluating relevant scientific information to generate practical reports.

Activities:
Students are taught in a practical session how to search online databases for appropriate scientific literature.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

05. Place theoretical and/or experimental information into the appropriate discipline specific context.

Activities:
Students taught to incorporate information from both lectures and practical sessions to make sound discipline - specific arguments in their scientific reports and theory exam.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Writing(Writing)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

06. Explain genetics concepts, including patterns of inheritance, principles of genetic analysis (eg. mutations in pedigrees and model organisms, applications of DNA sequence, phylogenetics) and evolution by natural selection.

Activities:
orking individually or in small groups students will learn how to interpret and evaluate genetics literature and concepts and apply their knowledge to solving discipline specific problems.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

07. Apply basic experimental genetic techniques in research.

Activities:
In lectures students are taught about the various techniques used in research and the rationale behind choosing a specific technique to address a particular question. In practical classes the students participate in hands-on experiments demonstrating those techniques.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment size196

Enrolment information Availability of lab space Based on BIO1GEN grades

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorWarwick Grant

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One x 2hr exam6003, 05, 06
Oral presentation (10 min)1002, 04, 05, 06
Two x scientific report (approx 1000 words each)3001, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07