GENETICS 2520 - Genetics IIB: Function and Diversity of Genomes
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GENETICS 2520 Course Genetics IIB: Function and Diversity of Genomes Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 6 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 Incompatible GENETICS 2202 & GENETICS 2521 Assumed Knowledge GENETICS 2510 Assessment Exam, tutorial and practical component assessment Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Coulson
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Apply specific knowledge gained in one context to explain new situations in different contexts 2 Apply fundamental developmental biology principles to new situations 3 Understand the complications and limitations of genetic analysis in medical genetics 4 Understand fundamental population and evolutionary genetics principles 5 Apply population and evolutionary genetics principles and rules to new situations 6 Appreciate the requirement for mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and estimation in modern population and evolutionary genetics 7 Obtain hands-on experience in performing fundamental molecular and cellular biology techniques, including working safely and efficiently in a modern laboratory setting 8 Correctly analyse and interpret experimental results within the limitations of the experimental design 9 Communicate results and conclusions of experiments using recognised scientific communication frameworks (e.g. written report, oral presentation, poster) 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 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 8, 9 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 7, 8, 9 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 7, 8, 9 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 7 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 7, 8, 9 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 7 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Lab coat and safety glasses are to be supplied by student and worn in every prac classRecommended Resources
Recommended textbook: Genetics: A Conceptual Approach 4th edition (2012) by Benjamin A. Pierce, Freeman publishers -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
No information currently available.
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) The power of genetics - Drosophila embryo development
b) The power of genetics - plant flower development
c) Disruption of the cell cycle can cause cancer
d) Focus on human and medical genetics
e) Quantitative traits - each allele has a small effect and many genes are involved
f) Population and evolutionary genetics
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: antibody technology and applications (including analysis of gene expression), microscopy, recombinant DNA methodology, basic principles of experimental design. Further, optional topics include: analysis of protein:protein interactions, further principles of experimental design, further molecular and cell biology techniques.
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Exam 60% Take-home assignments 10% Short tests in tutorials 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 comprised 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.
Four 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. A student's best three marks (equally weighted) of the four tests will contribute 10% of the final mark.Submission
Late 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.
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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.
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Student Support
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
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- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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