GENETICS 3212 - Gene Expression & Hum Devel Genetics (Biomed) III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This advanced genetics course examines the diverse molecular mechanisms that control the expression of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It continues with a description of the human genome and a description of how genes are regulated during development. Topics include - the regulation of gene expression; epigenetic events; the genetic and epigenetic basis of human disease (including cancer); neurogenetics; gene therapy; genetic control of development. Subject to availability, the practical component of this course is a placement within a genetic research laboratory which will be arranged by the course convenor.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GENETICS 3212
    Course Gene Expression & Hum Devel Genetics (Biomed) III
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 19 hours per fortnight
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites GENETICS 2511 & GENETICS 2521 or equivalent
    Incompatible GENETICS 3211
    Restrictions Available to BSc(BiomedSc) students only
    Course Description This advanced genetics course examines the diverse molecular mechanisms that control the expression of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It continues with a description of the human genome and a description of how genes are regulated during development. Topics include - the regulation of gene expression; epigenetic events; the genetic and epigenetic basis of human disease (including cancer); neurogenetics; gene therapy; genetic control of development.
    Subject to availability, the practical component of this course is a placement within a genetic research laboratory which will be arranged by the course convenor.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Lardelli

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understanding of the underlying conceptual framework regarding the regulation of genes and how research expands our knowledge in this area
    2 Understanding of the underlying conceptualframework regarding how genes control embryo development and how research expands our knowledge in this area
    3 Understanding of the underlying conceptual framework regarding human genetics and how research expands our knowledge in this area
    4 Comprehension of scientific research data described in peer-reviewed journals
    5 Recording of laboratory research notes and analysis and reporting of experimental data
    6 The ability to extract relevant information from literature databases and to present it in written or oral form








    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. 1-6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4,5,6
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5,6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 4,6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 4.6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    This course will require the following texts and other resources:

     Text for Human Genetics lectures: 'Human Molecular Genetics - 4th Edition' by Strachan
    and Read.

    Copies of scientific papers for Gene Regulation and Developmental Genetics aspects of the
    course (supplied by the lecturers)

    Collaborating research laboratories

    Practical manuals (if doing genetics/molecular biology laboratory  practical work. These are supplied by lecturer/s running each practical)

    Practical Laboratories (if doing the practical)

    Scientific equipment

    Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms

    Access to University Library

    Access to computers and internet

    Students must supply laboratory coat and safety glasses for their own use

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:

    3 lectures of 1 hour each per week

    1 tutorial of 1 hour per fortnight

    12 hours of laboratory/other work per fortnight

    Workload

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

    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
    Week Type of Learning Activity Topic
    1 Lecture Developmental Neurogenetics
    Practical Placement or Developmental Genetics Practical
    Tutorial or Other Activity None
    2 Lecture Developmental Neurogenetics
    Practical Placement or Developmental Genetics Practical
    Tutorial or Other Activity Developmental Neurogenetics
    3 Lecture Developmental Neurogenetics / Regulation of Gene Expression
    Practical Placement or Developmental Genetics Practical
    Tutorial or Other Activity None
    4 Lecture Regulation of Gene Expression
    Practical Placement or Developmental Genetics Practical
    Tutorial or Other Activity Developmental Neurogenetics
    5 Lecture Regulation of Gene Expression
    Practical Placement or Focus Genetic Disease literature review
    Tutorial or Other Activity Regulation of Gene Expression
    6 Lecture Regulation of Gene Expression
    Practical Placement or Focus Genetic Disease literature review
    Tutorial or Other Activity None
    7 Lecture Plant Developmental Genetics
    Practical Placement or Focus Genetic Disease literature review
    Tutorial or Other Activity Regulation of Gene Expression
    8 Lecture Epigenetics
    Practical Placement or essay on current treatments and future treatment options/possibilities
    Tutorial or Other Activity Plant Developmental Genetics
    Mid Semester Break
    9 Lecture Epigenetics / Human Genetics
    Practical Placement or oral presentation of a case study of the focus genetic disease
    Tutorial or Other Activity Epigenetics
    10 Lecture Human Genetics
    Practical Placement or oral presentation of a case study of the focus genetic disease
    Tutorial or Other Activity Human Genetics
    11 Lecture Human Genetics
    Practical Placement or oral presentation of a case study of the focus genetic disease
    Tutorial or Other Activity None
    12 Lecture Human Genetics
    Practical End of Placement
    Tutorial or Other Activity Human Genetics
    13* Lecture
    Practical
    Tutorial or Other Activity
  • 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 Type of assessment Percentage of total
    assessment for grading purposes #



    Hurdle
    Yes or No #
    Outcomes being assessed / achieved
    Final Examination Summative 60% No 1, 2, 3, 4
    For laboratory placement
    Literature review Formative/Summative 15% No 3, 4, 6
    Research report Summative 15% No 1/2/3, 4, 5 ( “/” = “or” )
    Supervisor assessment Summative 10% No 4, 5
    For Focus Genetic Disease work
    Literature Review (~2,500 words) on a particular ("Focus") Genetic Disease Formative/Summative 10% No 3, 4, 6
    Oral presentation, 10 minutes, on a case study of the Focus Genetic Disease Summative/Formative 10% No 3, 4, 6
    Developmental Genetics Laboratory Practical Summative/Formative 10% No 2, 4, 5
    Essay (~1,500 words) on current treatments and future treatment options/ possibilities for the Focus Genetic Disease Summative/Formative 10% No 3, 4, 6

    *The order in which the above four practical components will be conducted may vary from year to year but one of them will always be completed by week 4 with feedback provided by the end of week 6 and so will be formative.



    Assessment Detail

    For students doing the laboratory placement:

    Literature review for laboratory placement project (15% of course grade, Learning objectives 3,4,6) ~2,500 words and fully referenced on the background to the laboratory project. This is due at the end of the 8th week of the semester. (Formative and summative assessment)

    The course convenor will call for all placement laboratory hosts to interview their students at the end of week 5 to provide feedback to them about how they are progressing in their laboratory work and to discuss progress in writing of the literature review. (Formative assessment, no grade given.)

    Research Report on laboratory placement project (15% of course grade, Learning objectives 1/2/3, 4, 5 [“/” = “or” ]). ~1,500 words (plus figures) describing and discussing the research project results. This is due at the end of the semester. (Summative assessment)

    Supervisor assessment (10% of course grade) of general approach to laboratory work and the skills displayed in the laboratory. (Summative assessment, Learning objectives 4,5)
     
    For students doing focus genetic disease work:

    4 weeks (6 x 4 hour sessions) of Developmental Genetics laboratory practical work (10% of course grade, summative assessment and, depending upon when this activity is held, possibly formative assessment*, Learning objectives 2,4,5.)

    Literature review of the focus genetic disease (i.e. of a particular genetic disease, 10% of course grade) ~2,500 words and fully referenced on the background to the focus genetic disease. (Summative and possibly formative assessment*, Learning objectives 3,4 6)

    Essay on current treatments and future treatment development options/possibilities for the focus genetic disease (10% of course grade, summative and possibly formative assessment*, Learning objectives 3,4 6)

    Oral presentation (Powerpoint) of a case study of the focus genetic disease (10% of course grade, summative and possibly formative assessment*, Learning objectives 3,4 6)

    *The order in which the above four practical components will be conducted may vary from year to year but one of them will always be completed by week 4 with feedback provided by the end of week 6.
     
    For all students - Final examination (60% of course grade, Learning Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4). This will be a three hour examination assessing any/all theoretical aspects of the course. The examination includes compulsory areas but also a limited choice of questions within each compulsory area. (Summative assessment)

    Submission
    Submission of Developmental Genetics Practical workbooks is into the submission box at the front desk of the Molecular Life Sciences Building. Submission of other essays is via MyUni and will include checking for plagiarism by Turnitin. Details on submission are provided in the Course Handbook and/or Practical manuals etc.


    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

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