GEN3051 Medical and forensic genetics
Faculty of Science
GEN3051 Medical and forensic genetics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
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Requisites
Overview
Advances in DNA sequencing and gene editing technologies are leading to rapid improvements in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. These developments are paving the way towards a future of personalised medicine, where each individual is managed according to their specific genetic make-up. This unit explores the theoretical basis and application of genetic and genomic approaches to both medicine and forensics. Topics include genetic screening, clinical diagnostics, gene mapping, molecular pathology, genetic multi-factorial disease, gene therapy and DNA profiling. The impact and ethics of recent genetic advances on both the individual and society will be discussed. Practical sessions will include mapping of disease loci and its application to risk analysis, critical examination of recent literature, investigation of genetic disorders, genetic testing for disease mutations, and forensic profiling.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Blended |
| First semester | Malaysia | Blended |
Assessment
- TestsWritten50%
- Lab reportsWritten35%
- Oral presentationsPresentation15%
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
Explain the application of modern genetic techniques such as gene mapping, genome-wide association studies and individual genome-sequencing to: i) the characterisation, diagnosis and treatment of simple and complex human diseases; and ii) the identification of individuals and relationships between individuals by forensic genetics;
- 2
Describe how variations in the DNA sequence of a gene can result in changes in gene function that ultimately lead to disease symptoms and explain how improved understanding of this molecular pathology can aid in the treatment of disease, and illustrate the value of model organisms in investigating the molecular pathology of human diseases;
- 3
Demonstrate high-level skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation, and apply these in written scientific reports and oral presentations;
- 4
Apply advanced problem-solving skills to issues of medical and forensic genetics;
- 5
Critically evaluate and summarise new discoveries from the scientific literature in medical and forensic genetics.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures22 hours
- Practical activities22 hours
- Two 1-hour lectures;
- One 2-3-hour practical session and
- Seven-eight hours of independent study per week.
Learning resources
Required resources
A laboratory coat and closed shoes are required for laboratory-based classes.
GEN3051 Moodle pages.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Lee Wai Leng
- Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for GEN3051?
GEN3051 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is GEN3051 offered?
In 2027, GEN3051 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia.
Does GEN3051 have an exam?
No. GEN3051 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.