GENETICS 3111 - Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

The DNA molecules that comprise the informational basis of inheritance in living organisms are collectively referred to as the genome. In this course the organisation, origin and mechanisms of change of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes are explored using cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses. Topics include - structure and function of genomes and chromosomes; chromosomes in disease; genomics; genome evolution; interactions between nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes; mechanisms for the generation and maintenance of diversity in eukaryotes; the roles of natural selection and chance as drivers of molecular evolution; molecular phylogeny.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GENETICS 3111
    Course Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution III
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 19 hours per fortnight
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites GENETICS 2510 & GENETICS 2520 or equivalent
    Incompatible GENETICS 3110
    Assessment Exam, practical component, written reports
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jack Da Silva

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Knowledge at an advanced level of: the origin, structure, function and evolution of genomes and chromosomes; molecular phylogenetics; and the roles of chance, mutation and natural selection in evolution at the molecular genetic level
    2 Understanding of, and ability to interpret data from, techniques used to sequence genes, visualise chromosomes, analyse genomic data and conduct evolutionary analyses of molecular sequence data
    3 The ability to interpret the primary scientific literature in evolutionary genetics
    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 2, 3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1, 2, 3
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    2
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    2
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    2
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    This course will require the following texts and other resources:
    1. Copies of scientific papers (supplied by the lecturers)
    2. Practical manuals (supplied by lecturers)
    3. Practical Laboratories and computer suites
    4. Scientific equipment
    5. Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms
    6. Access to University Library
    7. Access to computers and internet
    8. Students must supply laboratory coat and safety glasses for their own use
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Every week, there will be 3 lectures supported by 1 tutorial that developes material covered in lectures and one or two practicals that also develop material covered in lectures.
    Workload

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

    A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 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

    No information currently available.

  • 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


    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Hurdle
    Yes or No
    Learning Outcome
    Final Examination Summative 60% No 1,3
    Practical reports Summative 40% No 1,2
    Assessment Detail
    Practical reports– Chromosome structure & evolution (10% of course grade); DNA sequencing & PCR (10% of course grade); Molecular evolution (10% of course grade); Genomics (10% of course grade). 
    Marks are awarded after completion of the laboratory-based practical work for the quality of the written experimental notes and answers to questions included within the experimental handbook.

    Final examination- This will be a three hour examination assessing any/all theoretical aspects of the course. The examination includes a limited choice of questions within each subject area.



    Submission
    Late submission of assessments  

    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 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 or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.
    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.