GNA2042 Human genetics
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
GNA2042 Human genetics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 6 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 35%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before GNA2042
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After GNA2042
2 units list GNA2042 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in course code S4004, S6005 (or with permission from the unit coordinator)
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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- In-semester applied scenario test (1.5 hours)Quiz / Test15%
- Case study (1,500 words)Written30%
- Team oral presentation (20-25 mins + 2 x 250 words reflective piece)Presentation20%
- Applied scenario examination (2 hours and 10 mins)Examination35%
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
Apply your knowledge of genes, their inheritance and their interactions, to scenarios involving genetic disease, phenotypic variation and evolution.
- 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
Analyse and interpret genetic observations and data using problem solving and mathematical skills.
- 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
Develop arguments that consider the ethical implications of genetic research and testing in public health.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures28 hours
- Laboratories26 hours
- Assessments-
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 GNA2042?
GNA2042 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after GNA2042?
GNA2042 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including GNA5011 and GNA5200. Those lead on to 6 units in all.
When is GNA2042 offered?
In 2026, GNA2042 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is GNA2042?
The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does GNA2042 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.