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Unit of Study BIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics (2023)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Unit type

    UG Coursework Unit

  • Credit points

    12

  • Faculty/College

    Faculty of Health

  • Placement

    No

  • Enrolment information

    N/A

Unit description

Introduces students to the principles of molecular genetics and aspects of population, evolutionary and conservation genetics. An emphasis is given to understanding the key concepts underlying the experimental molecular biology techniques and DNA manipulations. Topics include Mendelian genetics, chromosome structure, DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, mutation and DNA repair, molecular genetic analysis, complex genetic disease, DNA testing, biotechnology and gene therapy.    

Unit content

  • Introduction to genetics, DNA and Chromosomes structure, meiosis and sexual reproduction
  • Mendelian inheritance patterns and pedigrees. Non-Mendelian inheritance patterns
  • How genes work at the molecular level: DNA replication, transcription, translation and control of gene expression and epigenetics
  • Mutation of genes and chromosomes: the source of heritable variation. Detection of genetic variation: PCR, DNA sequencing and other genetic analyses
  • Population Genetics, Evolutionary Genetics, Conservation genetics 
  • Genetically inherited diseases, gene therapy, molecular genetics in biotechnology

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

describe the processes relating to DNA and chromosome structure, replication and expression of genetic material

explain mechanisms of DNA inheritance, recombination, and DNA repair

explain and relate key principles of molecular biology to relevant methods of identification to detect genetic variation and/or genetic diseases

develop analytical and laboratory skills in molecular genetics

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Pierce, BA, 2017, Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, 6th edn, WH Freeman and Company, New York. ISBN: 978-1-319-05096-2.
  • The 6th edition or the 5th edition will be fine: Jorde, LB, Carey, JC, & Bamshad, MJ, 2015, Medical genetics, 6th edn, Elsevier.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment

  • You will be required to wear appropriate covered footwear and a coat in all laboratory practicals.

    You will also be required to bring a hardbound notebook for recording notes to each laboratory session.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.