UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

BMS2042 Human genetics

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

BMS2042 Human genetics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs BMS1062 and unlocks 8 units, leading on to 9 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 35%
and 3 other tasks
Workload
12 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Enrolment rules

Corequisite: Must be enrolled in one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)

Prerequisite: BMS1062

Prohibitions: GEN2041, GEN2052, GNA2042

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

Overview

This unit introduces the basic genetic principles underlying modern human genetics.
Topics include: the central role of genes in the inheritance of traits, and the complex variation in inheritance patterns that arise due to interactions of genes with each other and the environment; the identification, characterisation, and mapping of human genes; the value of model organisms in genetics; chromosome variation and its role in both evolution and human disease; how genes function and how genetic malfunction can lead to genetic disease; how an understanding of such diseases at the genetic level may assist in diagnosis, prevention and therapy; the genetic control of development; genetic counselling and calculating risk for genetic diseases; human evolutionary genetics.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonBlended

Assessment

  • In-semester applied scenario test (1.5 hours)Quiz / Test
    15%
  • Case study (1,500 words)Written
    30%
  • Team oral presentation (20-25 mins)Presentation
    20%
  • Applied scenario examination (2 hours and 10 mins)Examination
    35%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Apply your knowledge of genes, their inheritance and their interactions, to scenarios involving genetic disease, phenotypic variation and evolution.

  2. 2

    Critically analyse tools commonly used in genetic research including molecular techniques and model organisms, propose relevant applications of them and contrast their strengths and weaknesses.

  3. 3

    Analyse and interpret genetic observations and data using problem  solving and mathematical skills.

  4. 4

    Communicate genetic concepts, research and data to diverse audiences in a professional manner, in written and/or audio-visual formats as an individual and in teams.

  5. 5

    Develop arguments that consider the ethical implications of genetic research and testing in public health.

Workload and teaching

  • Assessments-
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Laboratories28 hours

An average of 6 hours of directed study per week, including 2 hours of lectures, 2.5 hours of lab and 1.5 hours of online activities.

An average of 6 hours per week of self-directed study.
Total per week = 12 hours.

Learning resources

Required resources

See Moodle for details about required resources.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Hendrika Duivenvoorden
Dr Callum Vidor
Chief Examiners
Dr Hendrika Duivenvoorden

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BMS2042?

You need BMS1062 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

What can I take after BMS2042?

BMS2042 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 8 units, including BCH3042, BMS3031, BMS3052, GEN3030, GEN3040 and GEN3051. Those lead on to 9 units in all.

When is BMS2042 offered?

In 2027, BMS2042 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is BMS2042?

The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does BMS2042 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
School of Biomedical Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available