Genes: Organisation and Function (GENE30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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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 topics covered in this subject include gene structure; genome organisation; regulation of gene expression by transcriptional, translational and post-translational control; and regulatory networks. These processes are presented in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, using examples in model organisms and humans. Understanding of these processes is considered in the context of significant historical genetic experiments and through the application of current molecular genetic and genomic techniques. 

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Explain current concepts of gene structure and the molecular basis of genetic processes, including diverse molecular mechanisms for generating gene products and regulating their expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes;
  • Discuss how experimental results and data from classical genetics, recombinant DNA and genomics experiments solve specific biological problems;
  • Interpret information in the field of molecular genetics through the study of the current scientific literature;
  • Synthesise basic concepts and knowledge to enable assessment of newly reported findings in the field of molecular genetics; and
  • Explain how modern molecular techniques are applied in biotechnology, medical and agricultural contexts.

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: 4 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
GENE20001 Foundations of Genetics and Genomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Two individual in-class or online multiple choice/short answer tests (45 min each) held in Weeks 6 and 12.

  • 45 minutes (each)
During the teaching period30%

Four individual in-class or online multiple-choice/short-answer quizzes related to workshops (200 words each)

  • 800 words (total)
Throughout the teaching period20%

Written examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorMike Haydon
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours24 x 1 hour lectures 12 x 2 h workshops/tutorials
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    m.haydon@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

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 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 April 2025