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

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

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.

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Course Details

Course Code	GENETICS 3113
Course	Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution (Theory) III
Coordinating Unit	School of Biological Sciences
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, GENETICS 2520
Incompatible	GENETICS 3110, GENETICS 3111
Assessment	Quizzes, final exam

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Frank Grutzner

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

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)
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
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	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. Overview – Chromosome Analysis
2. Centromeres and Telomeres
3. Metaphase and Interphase
4. Meiosis
5. Histone Code
6. Chromosome Evolution
7. Sex Chromosomes in Monotremes I
8. Sex Chromosomes in Monotremes II
Evolutionary Genetics
1. Genetic Distance
2. Inferring Trees - UPGMa
3. Inferring Trees – Neighbour-Joining
Genetic Drift
1. A First Look
2. The Decay of Heterozygosity
3. Mutation & Drift
Molecular Evolution
1. The Rate of Substitution & the Neutral Theory
2. Natural Selection & Genetic Drift
3. Natural Selection & Molecular Evolution
Two-Locus Dynamics
1. Linkage Disequilibrium
2. Two-Locus Selection - Genetic Hitchhiking
3. Two-Locus Selection - Clonal Interference
The Evolution of Sex and Sexes
1. The Evolution of Sex I - Hill Robertson Interference
2. The Evolution of Sex II - The Red Queen Hypothesis
3. The Evolution of Sexes
Senescence, Kin Selection & Genomic Imprinting
1. The Evolution of Senescence
2. Kin Selection
3. Genomic Imprinting

Specific Course Requirements

None

Small Group Discovery Experience

None

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

Quiz 1 Summative 25%
Quiz 2 Summative 25%
Theory Exam Summative 50%

Assessment Related Requirements

None

Assessment Detail

Quizzes (total of 50%)
Students will complete a total of 2 online quizzes during semester (worth 25% each). Quizzes will consist of multiple choice, true/false, numerical and short answer questions.
Theory Exam (50%)
The final 2-hour theory exam will examine the components in the second half of the semester. It will consist of multiple choice, numerical, short answer and long 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
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator