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UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

BMS2042 Human genetics

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

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BMS2042 Human genetics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs BMS1062 and unlocks 9 units, leading on to 10 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 35%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before BMS2042

Prerequisites

Pass these before you enrol.

After BMS2042

9 units list BMS2042 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

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Enrolment rules

Prerequisite: BMS1062, MOL2011

Prohibitions: GEN2041, GEN2052, GNA2042

Corequisite: Must be enrolled in one of the following:

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

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 2025

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%

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

  • Assessments2 hours
  • Laboratories28 hours
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Two hours of lectures;
  • 2.5 hours of laboratories;
  • 1.5 hours of online activities and 
  • An average of 6 hours of self-directed study per week and
  • 2 hours of assessments (in week 6 and 12).

Learning resources

Required resources

See Moodle for details about required resources.

Contacts

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

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 9 units, including BCH3042, BMS3031, BMS3052, GEN3010, GEN3030 and GEN3040. Those lead on to 10 units in all.

When is BMS2042 offered?

In 2025, BMS2042 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

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
Handbook years
20202021202220232024202520262027