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Genetics & The Evolution of Life (BIOL10005)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
The objective of this subject is to familiarise students with modern concepts of genetics, animal and plant diversity and evolution.
Topics studied include the nature of variation, inheritance, genes and chromosomes, human genetics, DNA replication, gene action and expression, population genetics, selection, the genetics of speciation, molecular evolution, evolutionary biology and the origin of life, classification of organisms diversity of life, communities, ecosystems and the relationship of organisms to their environment, human impact, preserving habitats and genetic variation.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to understand:
- the basic mechanisms of inheritance, recombination and mutation;
- the structure of DNA, its replication and the molecular basis of gene action;
- the nature of genetic variation in populations, natural selection, microevolution, reproductive isolation and speciation;
- the evidence for the evolution of life
- and apply the principles of classification;
- the diversity of organisms and their relationship to each other and the environment; and
- the basic concepts of population ecology, community structure and ecosystem.
Generic skills
Students should develop generic skills in:
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manipulating laboratory equipment, in particular using microscopes and gel electrophoresis;
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the recording of observations and the analysis and interpretation of data;
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the statistical analysis of genetic data; and
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accessing information sources and discerning use of the world wide web.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Credit cannot be gained for this subject and:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10003 | Genes and Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Students who have passed BIOL10005 may not enrol into
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- work related to practical classes during the semester with a combination of assessment of practical skills within the practical class, written work within the practical not exceeding 500 words; and 2-3 short multiple choice tests (25%);
- completion of regular tests on e-learning and skill workshop activities spaced at approximately fortnightly intervals throughout the semester, (3-4% each; total 20%);
- a written assignment not exceeding 500 words (5%),
- a 3 hour examination on theory and practical work in the examination period (50%)
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%). A pass (50%) on the examination is also necessary to pass the subject
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Dawn Gleeson Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week, a 1 hour tutorial per week, 2 hours of practical work per fortnight, a 1 hour skills workshop per fortnight and 4 hours per week of e-learning activities, independent learning tasks, pre lecture activities, skills workshop activities and post laboratory activities. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 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: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Access to the Smart/ebook/Connect site will be provided for all students for R B Knox, P Y Ladiges, B K Evans and R Saint, Biology, An Australian Focus 5th Ed, McGraw-Hill, 2014
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Many second year subjects require the completion of this subject and BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms
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.
This is a joint botany, genetics and zoology subject.
Required equipment - laboratory coat. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Agriculture Major Sustainable Production Major Production Animal Health Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Breadth Track Human Genetics Breadth Track Biotechnology Breadth Track Microbiology and immunology Breadth Track Cell and Developmental Biology Breadth Track Ecology Breadth Track General Genetics Breadth Track Genetics and Society - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 11 April 2024