gen2mhg molecular genetics

MOLECULAR GENETICS

GEN2MHG

2019

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject introduces students to concepts and methods in molecular and human genetics. Topics covered include: DNA and RNA structure, DNA replication, chromosome structure, transposable elements, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, recombination, DNA damage and repair, molecular biology and recombinant technologies, modes of inheritance, single and multigene diseases, epigenetic diseases, diagnosis of genetic diseases, gene therapy, personalised medicine, biotechnology and applications of genetic model organisms, bioinformatics, DNA in forensic sciences, synthetic life.

SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorChristine Hawkins

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 GEN2HMG

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsConcepts in Genetics, 10th Edition or laterRecommendedKlug, Cummings, Spencer and Palladino, 2014 (or subsequent edition)Pearson Education
ReadingsHuman Molecular Genetics, 4th EditionRecommendedStrachan, T and Read, A.P., 2011Garland Science

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Produce well-structured, scientifically accurate reports using grammatically correct English, which 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.

02. As part of a team, deliver a clear, engaging and scientifically accurate oral presentation on a scientific topic you have researched.

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.

03. Perform basic calculations required for design of molecular biology experiments.

Activities:
Students are given reading material and detailed instructions that describe the calculations they will perform. An unassessed on-line quiz is also provided for students to practice similar calculations, in preparation for undertaking the assessed worksheet.

04. Demonstrate independent research skills by locating and evaluating relevant scientific information.

Activities:
Students are taught in a practical session how to search online databases for appropriate scientific literature.

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

Activities:
Students are taught to incorporate information from both lectures and practical sessions to make sound discipline - specific arguments in their scientific reports and theory exam.

06. Understand and explain genetics concepts, including molecular mechanisms underpinning inheritance and expression of genetic traits.

Activities:
Working 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.

07. Apply basic experimental molecular 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 pairs or groups in hands-on experiments demonstrating those techniques.

08. Apply knowledge of molecular structures and mechanisms to current medical, environmental and ethical issues related to genetics.

Activities:
In their oral presentation and exam, students integrate the information provided in formal lectures, guest lectures, workshops, reading material, self-guided learning and practical classes to recognise and understand the connections between molecular genetics and diverse aspects of society and biology.

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorChristine Hawkins

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Type: Directed Learning Activity Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Worksheets (400 words equivalent)01401, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Practical reports (one major, one minor) (1400 words equivalent)Major report around 950 words; minor report around 450 words02501, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
Oral presentation (10 min) (250 words equivalent per student)A group of four students will give a joint ten minute presentation: equivalent to 1000 words01002, 04, 05, 06, 08
On-line quizzes (weeks 2-12) (1000 words equivalent)01105, 06, 07, 08
Exam (1 hour)03005, 06, 08
Mid-semester test (30min)01005, 06, 08

Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L5, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 36 - 40
One 36.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 36 to week 40 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Consisting of wet/dry/simulation activities."

LectureWeek: 36 - 40
One 36.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 36 to week 40 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
WorksheetsAround 400 words total1401, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Practical reports (one major, one minor)Major report around 950 words; minor report around 450 words2501, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
Oral presentation (10 min)A group of four students will give a joint ten minute presentation: equivalent to 1000 words, so 250 words for each student1002, 04, 05, 06, 08
On-line quizzes (weeks 2-12)Based on 2015 records, most students took around 5min to complete each quiz, so under an hour in total for all of the quizzes. Therefore this task is equivalent to 1000 words1105, 06, 07, 08
Exam (1.5 hour)Equivalent to 1500 words4005, 06, 08

Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L6, Night

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 44 - 48
One 36.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays at night from week 44 to week 48 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Consisting of wet/dry/simulation activities."

LectureWeek: 44 - 48
One 36.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays at night from week 44 to week 48 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
WorksheetsAround 400 words total1401, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Practical reports (one major, one minor)Major report around 950 words; minor report around 450 words2501, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
Oral presentation (10 min)A group of four students will give a joint ten minute presentation: equivalent to 1000 words, so 250 words for each student1002, 04, 05, 06, 08
On-line quizzes (weeks 2-12)Based on 2015 records, most students took around 5min to complete each quiz, so under an hour in total for all of the quizzes. Therefore this task is equivalent to 1000 words1105, 06, 07, 08
Exam (1.5 hour)Equivalent to 1500 words4005, 06, 08

Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 11 - 15
One 36.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 15 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Consisting of wet/dry/simulation activities."

LectureWeek: 11 - 15
One 36.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 15 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
WorksheetsAround 400 words total1401, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Practical reports (one major, one minor)Major report around 950 words; minor report around 450 words2501, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
Oral presentation (10 min)A group of four students will give a joint ten minute presentation: equivalent to 1000 words, so 250 words for each student1002, 04, 05, 06, 08
On-line quizzes (weeks 2-12)Based on 2015 records, most students took around 5min to complete each quiz, so under an hour in total for all of the quizzes. Therefore this task is equivalent to 1000 words1105, 06, 07, 08
Exam (1.5 hour)Equivalent to 1500 words4005, 06, 08

Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L6, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 44 - 48
One 36.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 44 to week 48 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Consisting of wet/dry/simulation activities."

LectureWeek: 44 - 48
One 36.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 44 to week 48 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
WorksheetsAround 400 words total1401, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Practical reports (one major, one minor)Major report around 950 words; minor report around 450 words2501, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
Oral presentation (10 min)A group of four students will give a joint ten minute presentation: equivalent to 1000 words, so 250 words for each student1002, 04, 05, 06, 08
On-line quizzes (weeks 2-12)Based on 2015 records, most students took around 5min to complete each quiz, so under an hour in total for all of the quizzes. Therefore this task is equivalent to 1000 words1105, 06, 07, 08
Exam (1.5 hour)Equivalent to 1500 words4005, 06, 08