UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

GEN3062 Evolutionary and ecological genetics

Faculty of Science

GEN3062 Evolutionary and ecological genetics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2022 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs GEN2052, BMS2042 or BIO3020 .

Credit points
6
Offered in 2022
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 6 other tasks

This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before GEN3062

Prerequisites

Pass these before you enrol.

After GEN3062

No unit lists GEN3062 as a prerequisite in the 2022 handbook.

Overview

Evolutionary processes can be applied to help understand diverse topics such as biodiversity, invasive species, disease, mating systems, among others. This unit will describe how the four evolutionary forces, mutation, random genetic drift, natural selection and gene flow act within and between populations to cause evolutionary change. It covers quantitative genetic, genomic and experimental approaches to understanding the genetic basis of evolutionary change. The unit offers a combination of interactive lectures, problem based tutorials and laboratory practicals to explore theoretical concepts of evolution and their role in applied problems of the modern world.

Offerings in 2022

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Assessment Task 1: Problem session 1
    5%
  • Assessment Task 2: Problem session 2
    5%
  • Assessment Task 3: Problem session 3
    5%
  • Assessment Task 4: Problem session 4
    5%
  • Assessment Task 5: Mini quizzes
    15%
  • Assessment Task 6: Practical report
    15%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)
    50%

Learning outcomes

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

  1. 1

    Understand the role of evolutionary processes in diverse biological contexts.

  2. 2

    Define genetic diversity, explain how to measure it, and explain how the different types of genetic diversity influence evolutionary processes;

  3. 3

    Explain quantitative, genomic and experimental approaches to measuring genetic variation and studying evolution in natural populations.

  4. 4

    Illustrate how evolution by natural selection can be detected, and how evolution and genetic diversity are central to the successful management of biodiversity, invasive species and disease.

  5. 5

    Demonstrate high-level skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and data presentation, and apply these in the preparation and presentation of scientific reports in written form and oral presentations.

  6. 6

    Critically evaluate and summarise new discoveries from the scientific literature in the field of applied evolutionary genetics.

Workload and teaching

  • Practical activities26 hours
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Two 1-hour lectures per week
  • One 2-hour laboratory session per week (for 10 weeks) and
  • One 3-hour laboratory session (for 2 weeks)

This unit will involve exposing you to the key concepts that underpin our understanding of how evolutionary proceses shape patterns of biodiversity. We reinforce online lecture-based content with active face-face and online practical classes where you take concepts presented in lectures and engage with them through hands-on practical exercises and problem solving activities.

Learning resources

Required resources

Laboratory coat
Closed toe footwear

Bring your own device

Where it fits

GEN3062 is part of 6 areas of study in the 2022 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Carla Sgro
Unit Coordinators
Professor Carla Sgro

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for GEN3062?

You need GEN2052, BMS2042 or BIO3020 before you enrol.

When is GEN3062 offered?

In 2022, GEN3062 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does GEN3062 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 6 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include GEN3062?

GEN3062 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Genetics and genomics; Plant sciences; and Zoology.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
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
Available