GNA5010 Advanced genetics and biotechnology
Faculty of Science
GNA5010 Advanced genetics and biotechnology is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Suzhou (SEU). It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 5 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Suzhou (SEU)
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review GNA5010.
Requisites
Before GNA5010
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After GNA5010
1 unit list GNA5010 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PROHIBITION: GEN5010
COREQUISITE: Must be enrolled in Master of Genome Analytics or Master of Biotechnology.
Overview
This unit will explore the latest approaches and techniques for the genetic manipulation of organisms and their applications in contemporary biotechnology. You will gain hands on experience in advanced molecular genetic techniques used to study and manipulate gene function and for generating a range of different transgenic organisms, including microbes, plants and animals. The application of these techniques in biotechnology will be demonstrated using a range of examples such as: bio-remediation, bio-prospecting, crop modification, disease modelling, gene drives, phage therapy, nanotechnology and assisted reproduction. You will also gain appreciation of relevant ethical and regulatory considerations and of impacts of genetic biotechnology on society.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Term 3 | Suzhou (SEU) | On campus |
Assessment
- Project proposalProject30%
- Journal clubPerformance10%
- Practical reportsDemonstration30%
- In-semester testsQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle30%
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
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of contemporary areas of molecular genetics and biotechnology, and the challenges faced;
- 2
Illustrate and explain how transgenic organisms are produced via genome manipulation across a range of species;
- 3
Source, synthesise and critically analyse literature to form the basis of a project;
- 4
Independently design and implement experimental approaches to solve a research problem in genetics and biotechnology;
- 5
Demonstrate proficiency in molecular genetics laboratory techniques, in problem-solving and experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation;
- 6
Convey to a non-specialist audience the relevance and value of genetics and biotechnology to human society.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops18 hours
- Seminars20 hours
- Practical activities18 hours
- Assessments2 hours
- One 2-hour seminar;
- One 3-hour laboratory/workshop and
- 7 hours of independent study per week
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Sureshkumar Balasubramanian
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for GNA5010?
GNA5010 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after GNA5010?
GNA5010 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including GNA5200. Those lead on to 5 units in all.
When is GNA5010 offered?
In 2026, GNA5010 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Suzhou (SEU).
Does GNA5010 have an exam?
No. GNA5010 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.