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Genetics for Agriculture (AGRI10051)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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The objective of this subject is to introduce students to the concepts of genetics and the effects of genetic variation and selection used to propagate valuable heritable trait combinations in crop plants and farm animals.

Topics covered include ‐ Historical background around (origin) genetics, nature of variation, cell structure and cell division, early concepts of inheritance, Mendel's laws, chromosomal theory of inheritance, Quantitative genetics, Gene interactions, Major genes, Sex determination, differentiation and sex‐linkage, Sex influenced and sex‐limited traits, linkage‐detection, estimation, recombination and genetic mapping, Population genetics, Frequencies of genes and genotypes, Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, Molecular genetics, Gene expression and Central Dogma (DNA to RNA to protein), Genotyping and Genomic selection, Genetic defects and DNA testing, Conventional plant and animal improvement, Genotype and Environment interactions, genetic modification, implications of biotechnology to agricultural sustainability.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject student should be able to understand:

  • Basic mechanisms of inheritance, recombination and mutation
  • The linkage between genotype and phenotype
  • The interactions between genotype and environment
  • The implications of genetic change in biological systems
  • The principles and extension of Mendelian genetics in plant and animal breeding
  • The application of both conventional and molecular breeding, and outline the social and regulatory issues relating to recombinant DNA technology in an agricultural context
  • The application of range of genetic tools (including genomic technologies) used for the design of breeding strategies to improve plant and animal populations
  • The constraints to production gain using genetic selection programmes

Generic skills

  • Demonstrate critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Record observations, analyse and interpret scientific data
  • Statistically analyse genetic data
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific data effectively in both written and verbal formats

Last updated: 31 January 2024

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
AGRI10052 Agricultural Genetics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
 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: 31 January 2024

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

4 intra-semester assessments, worth 7.5% each, based on practical classes and workshop activities, due in weeks 3, 5, 7 and 11

Hurdle requirement: A mark of at least 50% in the combined intra-semester assessments		From Week 3 to Week 1130%

Mid-semester assessment (MST)

  • 1 hours
Week 620%

Examination

  • 2 hours
End of semester50%
Hurdle requirement: Attendance at a minimum of 9 out of 11 tutorials.N/A

Last updated: 31 January 2024

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorMohammad Pourkheirandish
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 hours lectures/ week, 1‐hour tutorial/ week 3 hours practicals/fortnight
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024
    Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024
    Census date 2 September 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail20 September 2024
    Assessment period ends15 November 2024

    Semester 2 contact information

    mohammad.p@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
    - Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 31 January 2024

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseBachelor of Agriculture

Last updated: 31 January 2024