UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

GEN2052 Genomics and population genetics

Faculty of Science

GEN2052 Genomics and population genetics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs (GEN2041 and BIO1011); and (BIO1022, BIO1042 or BIO1062) and unlocks 4 units.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2020
Semester 2
Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

Reviews

No reviews yet

No reviews yet. Be the first to review GEN2052.

Requisites

Overview

The structure, function, variation and evolution of DNA and of genomes are examined at both the individual and population levels in a range of organisms, including humans. Topics include: genome structure and approaches to genome analysis; basic principles and practical use of bioinformatics methods for genome projects; functional and comparative genomics; evolution of gene families and movement of genes from organelle to nuclear genomes; genome variation between individuals and species and its applications in genetics; processes that change the genetic constitution of populations and species during evolution.

Offerings in 2020

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Assessment Task 1: Weekly pre-labs and problem sets
    10%
  • Assessment Task 2: Practical reports
    20%
  • Assessment Task 3: Lecture content quizzes
    20%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)
    50%

Learning outcomes

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

  1. 1

    Explain how genes are organised in chromosomes and genomes and the implications of this for gene expression and function, how genomes are mapped and sequenced, how genes and genomes are analysed at a molecular level, and the uses of genomics in modern genetic research;

  2. 2

    Illustrate how DNA and genomes change and the implications of this for evolution and the uses of DNA variation in modern applications such as DNA profiling;

  3. 3

    Explain how genes behave in populations, describe concepts such as mutation and genetic drift, and illustrate how genetic variation can result in fitness differences that may drive evolution through the process of natural selection;

  4. 4

    Describe the relevance and value of genetics and genomic to human society;

  5. 5

    Evaluate basic bioinformatics methods such as sequence alignment in comparative genomics and interpret the statistical results.

  6. 6

    Demonstrate skills in basic laboratory techniques in problem-solving and experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories36 hours
  • Lectures23 hours
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Two 1-hour lectures and 
  • One 3-hour combined tutorial/laboratory session per week

Lectures will be used to deliver the formal unit content. Weekly laboratory-based classes will complement the lectures. Weekly problem sets will be used to develop your understanding of the genetic concepts. You will learn laboratory techniques, the value of working with peers as part of a team, understand the principles underlying experimental design, and have developed important problem-solving skills in many human and population aspects of genetics.

Learning resources

Required resources

laboratory coat
closed shoes

Sanders and Bowman Second Edition. Genetics Analysis: An Intergrated Approach. Pearson.

Bring your own device

Where it fits

GEN2052 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2020 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Kathryn Hodgins
Unit Coordinators
Dr Kathryn Hodgins
Dr Song Beng Kah

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for GEN2052?

You need (GEN2041 and BIO1011); and (BIO1022, BIO1042 or BIO1062) before you enrol.

What can I take after GEN2052?

GEN2052 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including BIN3890, GEN3010, GEN3062 and GEN3990.

When is GEN2052 offered?

In 2020, GEN2052 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.

Does GEN2052 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include GEN2052?

GEN2052 is part of Genetics and genomics; and Genomics and bioinformatics.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Biological Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available