GENETICS 3113 - Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution (Theory) III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

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; the roles of natural selection and chance as drivers of molecular evolution.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GENETICS 3113
    Course Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution (Theory) III
    Coordinating Unit Molec & Biomedical Science
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites GENETICS 2510 and GENETICS 2520
    Incompatible GENETICS 3110, GENETICS 3111
    Course Description 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; the roles of natural selection and chance as drivers of molecular evolution.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Frank Grutzner

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

    1 Knowledge at an advanced level of the origin, structure, function and evolution of genomes and chromosomes; and the roles of chance, mutation and natural selection in evolution at the molecular genetic level.
    2 The ability to interpret the primary scientific literature in cytogenetics and evolutionary genetics.
    3 Application and integration of knowledge in tutorial exercises
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Provided by lecturers
    Recommended Resources
    Provided by lecturers
    Online Learning
    None
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures and workshops
    Workload

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

    Contact sessions
    Lectures 24 x 1 hr
    Workshops 12 x 2 hrs
    Quizzes 2 x 2 hrs
    Final Exam 1 x 2 hrs

    Non-contact
    Reading 12 x 4 hrs
    Preperation for tutorials 12 x 4 hrs
    Preperation for quizzes 6 x 2 hrs
    Preperation for final exam 6 x 2 hrs
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lectures

    Chromosome Structure and Evolution

    1. Chromosome Analysis-molecular cytology
    2. Centromeres and Telomeres
    3. Metaphase chromosome structure
    4. Interphase nucleus
    5. Chromosome segregation (mitosis)
    6. Meiosis
    7. Histone Code
    8. DNA methylation and epigenetic reprogramming
    9. Genomic Imprinting
    10. Chromosome Evolution
    11. Sex Chromosome evolution and organisation
    12. Comparative Genomics
    13. Citizen Science
    14. Evolutionary Medicine

    Population and Evolutionary Genetics

    1. Coalescence Theory
    2. Population Subdivision
    3. Gene Trees & Species Trees
    4. Genetic Linkage & Hitchhiking
    5. Neutral Theory
    6. Natural Selection


    Specific Course Requirements
    None
  • 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
    2 Quizzes worth 25% (Summative) and 1 Quiz (theory exam) worth 50% (Summative)
    Assessment Detail
    Students will complete a total of 2 online quizzes worth 25% each and 1 theory exam quiz (worth 50%). Quizzes will consist of multiple choice, true/false, numerical and shortlong answer questions.

    Submission
    Quizes will be administrered online
    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.

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