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Genes: Organisation and Function (GENE30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject focuses on gene structure, function and regulation, which form the molecular basis of many important biological phenomena such as short-term organismal and cellular responses to rapid changes in environmental conditions and long-term controls of development. The molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are frequently exploited in biotechnology, medical and agricultural applications. The modern molecular techniques used to study these processes will be presented. The topics to be covered in this subject include prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene structure; action and regulation; genomic and recombinant DNA methodology; molecular genetic manipulation of a wide variety of organisms to generate defined changes in the genome; the cell cycle and developmental genetics.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of current concepts of the molecular structure of genes and the molecular basis of genetic processes, including diverse molecular mechanisms for generating gene products and regulating their expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes;
  • interpret experimental results and data from classical genetics, recombinant DNA and genomics experiments to solve specific biological problems;
  • evaluate information in the field of molecular genetics through the study of primary research papers and review articles; and
  • synthesise basic concepts and knowledge to enable assessment of newly reported findings in the field of molecular genetics.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should have gained skills in: 

  • interpretation of experimental data;
  • evaluation of scientific literature;
  • critical thinking and problem solving; and
  • synthesis of complex concepts from basic principles.

Last updated: 24 June 2022