GNA3030 Molecular, cellular and developmental genetics
Faculty of Science
GNA3030 Molecular, cellular and developmental genetics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2024 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 4 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before GNA3030
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After GNA3030
1 unit list GNA3030 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PROHIBITION: GEN3030
COREQUISITE: Must be enrolled in the S6005 Master of Genome Analytics or with the permission of the unit coordinator.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
The ability to monitor and manipulate gene activity in experimental models is critical to advance our understanding of how genes control phenotypes. This unit will explore in depth the latest techniques for studying gene expression and function, with an emphasis on developing skills in scientific literacy and experimental design using approaches in molecular, cellular, and developmental genetics. This includes assaying and visualizing gene expression and protein sub cellular localization in vivo, methods for artificially activating or inhibiting gene activity including generating transgenic organisms and comparative, and bioinformatic methods for inferring gene function and evaluation. The application of these techniques will be demonstrated using examples of the study of the function and evolution of function of genes underlying fundamental cellular, developmental and physiological processes such as differentiation and growth, programmed cell death, cell-cell communication, cell movement, tissue patterning, neuronal signalling, and cellular homeostasis and metabolism.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Group presentationsPresentation23%
- Laboratory reportsReport20%
- In-semester take-home testsOther45%
- Weekly quizzes and problem setOther12%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Articulate the advantages provided by the use of model laboratory organisms to investigate molecular, cellular and developmental processes;
- 2
Illustrate the application of gene function analysis techniques to advance medical, biological, agricultural, biotechnology and environmental research;
- 3
Collect, analyse, interpret and present genetic data effectively in the preparation of scientific reports and presentations;
- 4
Synthesise and critique new discoveries from the scientific literature in molecular, developmental and cellular genetics.
- 5
Compare and contrast techniques used to study gene function, including techniques to monitor gene transcription and protein cellular localisation and to manipulate gene activity in living organisms; individuals and relationships between individuals by forensic genetics;
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories23 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- One 1-hour lecture;
- One 2-hour workshop;
- One 3-hour laboratory session and
- Six hours of self-directed study per week
Workshop are focused on problem-based learning, where you work through a series of questions/problems in small groups, and present your ideas to the larger groups.
You will perform experiments in practicals. These are designed to supplement and consolidate material learned in the pre-recorded lectures and workshops.
You will watch pre-recorded lecture videos (1 / week) that highlights key concepts to be explored each week. In addition, we have pre-recorded videos that are used in preparation for both the active learning workshops and practicals. You have access to on-line practice quizzes to test your comprehension from both pre-recorded lectures and perform on-line summative assessments after every workshop.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Christen Mirth
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Christen Mirth
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for GNA3030?
GNA3030 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after GNA3030?
GNA3030 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including GNA5200. Those lead on to 4 units in all.
When is GNA3030 offered?
In 2024, GNA3030 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does GNA3030 have an exam?
No. GNA3030 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.