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Genes and Environment (BIOL10003)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
The objective of this subject is to familiarise students with model systems for research in biomedicine; bacteria: beneficial and harmful bacteria; viruses and infectious molecules; fungal pathogens and the role of fungi in medicine; evolution of primates and humans. The modern concepts of genetics, human evolution and model organisms used in biomedicine research.
Topics include the genetic consequence of meiosis; inheritance; chromosomes, genes/alleles, dominance relationships, autosomal/sex-linked inheritance; one locus, blood groups, pedigree analysis, examples of human genetic disease; more than one locus, gene interaction, linkage, multifactorial/quantitative inheritance, heritability; DNA structure and function, replication, transcription, translation, mutation; genes and development; tools used for molecular genetic analysis: restriction enzymes, PCR, gel electrophoresis, aims of the Human Genome Project; recombinant DNA technology; genes in populations; human diversity, polymorphisms, selection, the theory of evolution; species; biodiversity and genetic resources.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to
- understand the various transmission and invasion strategies of parasites.
- understand the taxa of parasites and the importance of sexual and asexual reproduction to them.
- understand how natural selection works and resistance evolves.
- understand the evolutionary history of humans
- describe the basic mechanisms of inheritance, including the relationship between phenotype and genotype, transmission genetics, recombination and multifactorial inheritance
- explain the structure of DNA, its replication and the molecular basis of gene expression,transcription, translation, the genetic code and mutation.
- describe tools used in molecular genetic analysis and aims of the Human Genome Project
- describe the nature of genetic variation in populations, natural selection, microevolution, reproductive isolation and speciation
- explain the evidence for the evolution of life including molecular, fossil and phylogenic data with emphasis on primate evolution
- appreciate the biodiversity of life including the importance of bacteria, viruses and fungi in biomedical science
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject students should be able to:
- plan effective work schedules to be prepared for tutorials, practical classes and examinations.
- be familiar with electronic forms of communication and be discerning in the use of the web for seeking information.
- integrate the computer software packages into the course to assist learning.
- be able to complete basic manipulations with laboratory equipment, for example the microscope and gel electrophoresis.
- develop skills in recording observations, analysis and interpretation of data
- develop basis skills in statistical analysis of genetic data.
- access basic information from the library both electronically and in a traditional way.
- begin to develop skills in working collaboratively with other students in a practical class.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Credit cannot be gained for this subject and any of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10005 | Genetics & The Evolution of Life | No longer available | |
GENE10001 | Genetics in the Media | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A multiple choice test
| Mid semester | 5% |
Work related to practical classes with a combination of assessment of practical skills within the practical class, completion of 4 or 5 on-line pre-practical tests; written work within the practical not exceeding 500 words; and 4 or 5 short multiple choice tests Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject (i.e. an 80% attendance at the practical classes together with a result for the assessed practical work of at least 50%). | During the teaching period | 25% |
Completion of 5 Independent Learning Tasks | Throughout the semester | 5% |
A written assignment not exceeding 500 words
| 5% | |
An examination on theory and practical work
| During the examination period | 60% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Dawn Gleeson Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 hour per week of tutorials or workshops. 2 hours of practical work per fortnight and 3 hours per week of e-learning including independent learning tasks, pre and post laboratory activities. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
D Sadava, D M Hillis, H G Heller, M R Berenbaum, Life. 11th Ed. Sinaver/Freeman, 2016
- Subject notes
This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine.
This subject involves the use of animals that form an essential part of the learning objectives for this subject. Please note: There are some non-dissection alternatives for those who have strong philosophical objections and these and other alternatives can be discussed with the subject co-ordinator.
Required Equipment - laboratory coat.B-BMED students who fail this subject with a mark of 45-49%, who do not fail any other subjects in the same semester may be eligible for a progression supplementary exam for this subject in line with the Assessment Procedure (point 15). Students will be contacted via email by the University Results final release date if they are eligible.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Biomedicine
Last updated: 3 November 2022