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Genetics in the Media (GENE10001)
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 1
Dawn Gleeson:
d.gleeson@unimelb.edu.au
Hayley Bugeja
h.bugeja@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Genetics is a topic commonly discussed in the media. It may be an article in a newspaper or magazine, a TV news report or current affairs program, a TV series or a film. Topics include the discovery of genes associated with health such as cancer, genetic testing, recombinant DNA technology in agriculture, forensic analysis in crime, paternity cases, identification after a disaster, are commonly depicted in print, TV and film.
This subject will provide the background to understand and critically evaluate the claims made in the media. These references to genetics in the media will be used as the context to introduce principles of genetics such as correct genetic terminology; genes, alleles, chromosomes; patterns of inheritance such as constructing a pedigree; DNA, RNA and how genes are expressed, the influence of environmental factors on gene expression; and mutation leading to variation in the population. An introduction to basic genetic principles and techniques such as those described in the media will be discussed so that a student can evaluate the claims made in films and TV with respect to genetic analysis in crime and identification, in particular.
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of this subject a student should have:
- a basic understanding of the terminology of genetics;
- a basic understanding of patterns of inheritance;
- a basic understanding of commonly used genetic techniques;
- the ability to review a media report about genetics critically;
- sufficient knowledge to access reliable information on-line and in print.
Generic skills
Students should develop generic skills in:
- critically evaluating a media report
- accessing information sources and discerning use of the internet
Last updated: 20 May 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have passed the following subjects may not enrol into GENE10001 Genetics in the Media
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10005 | Genetics & The Evolution of Life | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10003 | Genes and Environment | Semester 2 (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: 20 May 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- 5 equally weighted online tests in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 (10%)
- 2 equally weighted written activities no more than 500 words each in approximately weeks 7 and 9 (20%)
- a major assignment which is composed of an article search, a peer reviewed plan preparation of a 3- 5 minute video submitted week 12 (20%)
- a 2-hour written examination during the examination period (50%)
Last updated: 20 May 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Hayley Bugeja Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 1 hour lecture/workshop per week. This subject will be delivered principally on-line and require time spent viewing on-line content, often in the form of videos, (GeneBytes), reading, on-line formative quizzes and follow-up activities ( 6 hours per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Dawn Gleeson:
d.gleeson@unimelb.edu.auHayley Bugeja
h.bugeja@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 20 May 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. - 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: 20 May 2023