Genetics for Agriculture (AGRI10051)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 4 March 2025
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
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 11 | 30% |
Mid-semester assessment (MST)
| Week 6 | 20% |
Examination
| End of semester | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: Attendance at a minimum of 9 out of 11 tutorials. | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Mohammad Pourkheirandish Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total of 42 hours - 22 hours of lectures (2 x 1-hour per week for 11 weeks), 11 hours of tutorials (1 x 1-hour per week for 11 weeks), 1 hour of workshop in week 11 and 8 hours of practicals (1 x 2 hours per week for 4 weeks across the semester) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
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: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
Last updated: 4 March 2025