GENETICS 2510 - Genetics IIA: Foundation of Genetics

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Genetics IIA aims to provide a broad understanding of some of the foundation concepts of genetics. We begin with examining different patterns of inheritance and the nature of genetic linkage and recombination, and discuss mutations and the connection between genotype and phenotype. Further topics include the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The practical component for this course draws from the MBS Prac A, Prac B and Prac C series. Refer to Current Students Online Enrolment information at www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au for information about enrolling in these practicals.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GENETICS 2510
    Course Genetics IIA: Foundation of Genetics
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 8 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites BIOLOGY 1101 & BIOLOGY 1201 or BIOLOGY 1202 - Students who enrolled in BIOLOGY 1101 only should contact the Course Coordinator to request permission to enrol
    Course Description Genetics IIA aims to provide a broad understanding of some of the foundation concepts of genetics. We begin with examining different patterns of inheritance and the nature of genetic linkage and recombination, and discuss mutations and the connection between genotype and phenotype. Further topics include the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
    The practical component for this course draws from the MBS Prac A, Prac B and Prac C series. Refer to Current Students Online Enrolment information at www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au for information about enrolling in these practicals.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Coulson

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes


    1. Readily understand and communicate using appropriate terminology and nomenclature

     2. Explain mode of inheritance of traits based on results of appropriate genetic crosses, and predict or explain classes and ratios of progeny for given genetic situations

     3. Analyse linkage and interpret linkage maps

     4. Understand how mutations arise, apply or interpret different types of mutation, and connect these with phenotype

     5. Understand the principles of gene regulation, and to apply these principles to specific examples

     6. Apply specific knowledge gained in one context to explain new situations in different contexts

     7. Have an appreciation for, and understanding of, core recombinant DNA techniques and methodologies

    8. Obtain hands-on experience in performing fundamental molecular and cellular biology techniques, including working safely and efficiently in a modern laboratory setting

    9. Correctly analyse and interpret experimental results within the limitations of the experimental design

    10. Communicate results and conclusions of experiments using recognised scientific communication frameworks (e.g. written report, oral presentation, poster)Readily understand and communicate using appropriate terminology and nomenclatureReadily understand and communicate using appropriate terminology and nomenclatureReadily understand and communicate using appropriate terminology and nomenclature
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 6, 9, 10
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 6, 8, 9, 10
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 8, 9, 10
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 6, 8, 10
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 8, 9, 10
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2, 6, 8, 9, 10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lab coat and safety glasses are to be supplied by student and worn in every prac class.
    Recommended Resources
    Recommended textbook:
    Genetics: A Conceptual Approach 4th edition (2012) by Benjamin A. Pierce, Freeman publishers
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The contact time for Genetics IIA consists of:
    • Two lectures of 50 minutes each per week
    • One tutorial of up to 1hr50min per fortnight (see Course Planner for details of tutorial weeks)
    • Practical class contact of 4hr per week for up to five weeks during semester, as required according to the MBS Practical ABC system (see Course Planner for details, under SCIENCE 2100/2101/2102 as required)
    Student learning is further supported by provision of additional questions to help focus independent study during non-tutorial contact weeks, plus extra resources on MyUni for some topics.

    Student's revision of key concepts from pre-requisite courses is encouraged and facilitated by provision of material to guide and aid revision on MyUni, plus formative online revision quizzes.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average, 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lecture topics:

    a) Basic principles of inheritance (Mendelian genetics)

    b) Chromosome behaviour and transmittance of traits

    c) Extensions to Mendelism

    d) Linkage, recombination and mapping genes

    e) Molecular model of recombination and gene conversion

    f) DNA damage, repair and mutation

    g) Different sorts of mutation and how genotype explains phenotype

    h) Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes

    i) Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes

     
    Tutorials:

    The tutorials aim to apply the principles and knowledge discussed in lectures to simple problems. Tutorials are structured around multiple questions that together address all levels of Bloom's taxonomy.

    Practicals:

    The practicals aim to introduce central molecular and cell biology techniques, and require thorough analysis and interpretations of results obtained. Core topics include: laboratory safety, liquid handling skills, maintenance of bacterial cell cultures, recombinant DNA methodology and theory, basic principles of experimental design. Further, optional topics include: bioinformatics, further principles of experimental design, further molecular and cell biology techniques.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Exam 60%
    Take-home assignments 10%
    Shorts tests + "Aspergillus Cross" 10%
    Assessment of practicals 20%



    Assessment Detail
    The exam is worth 60% of the final mark and is held during the end-of-semester examinations period.

    Assessment of content of practicals takes various forms and together comprises 20% of the total mark.

    There will be a total of three assignment termed "Question Papers" (which are past exam questions that students complete in their own time). These will be equally weighted and together contribute 10% of the final mark.

    Three of the tutorials will begin with a short test. Each test will be a single past exam question. The
    tutorial tests aim to give students feedback on their understanding of the lecture material throughout the semester as assessed under closed-book test conditions. They are also a strong incentive to keep up to date with the lecture material. One tutorial will involve analysis of progeny of a cross of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The fourth test/assignment will require analysis of these data. A student's best three marks (equally weighted) of the three tests and Aspergillus Cross assignment will contribute 10% of the final mark.





    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted,then a penalty for late submission
    will apply.  A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.



    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.