Human and Medical Genetics (GENE30005)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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Genetics permeates all aspects of modern life, and modern genetic technologies are being developed at an unprecedented rate with impacts on our understanding of human biology and implications for medicine. This subject will expose students to a deeper understanding of human genetics including the origins of human genomes, rapidly advancing technologies to study and understand genomes, and how this can be used for understanding and improving human health, as well as the overarching ethical considerations.

This subject focuses on several key areas in contemporary human genetics: the contributions mutation and natural selection make to human populations; the genetic basis of non-communicable diseases; strategies (technologies) for identifying the genetic basis of human disease; genetics of cancer and ageing; genetic counselling and gene by environment interactions. 

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how traits emerge from multiple interacting mechanisms at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels (and are influenced by the environment);
  • Contrast the different approaches used to understand the genetic contribution to human traits and the impact of the limitations of these approaches;
  • Critically evaluate and debate the ethical and social implications of human genetics today, including the impact of developing technologies;
  • Apply their knowledge to the real world and contribute to public discourse as a genetically literate member of society; and
  • Effectively communicate human genetic concepts to a broad audience.

Generic skills

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

  • Read relevant literature and be able to interpret this in order to answer detailed questions on both theory and methodology;
  • Understand how new scientific data relevant to the human condition is acquired;
  • Understand how scientific data is applied to old and new problems in society;
  • Have an appreciation for how modern knowledge in human biology is relevant to an understanding of our past and future;
  • Use information technology to acquire relevant knowledge; and
  • Think clearly about the application of scientific principles to the consideration of ethical issues.

Last updated: 26 March 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: 26 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Critical reflection essay on one of the tutorial discussions (student chooses)

  • 700 words
Due 1 week after relevant tutorial discussion (Weeks 1-12)15%

Written timed mid-semester test on weeks 1–4 content (650 words)

  • 45 minutes
Week 615%

Group video (4–5 students) on one key concept (group chooses from a list provided by instructors). Part 1: progress assessment - outline of video and team roles

  • 200 words (total)
Hurdle requirement: Submission of progress assessment		Week 6N/A

Written timed mid-semester test on weeks 5–8 content (650 words)

  • 45 minutes
Week 915%

Group video (4–5 students) on one key concept (group chooses from a list provided by instructors). Part 2: final video

  • 3 minutes
From Week 11 to Week 1215%

Final exam

  • 2 hours
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 26 March 2025

Dates & times

Not available in 2025

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: 26 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 26 March 2025