GNA5022 Sequencing technologies
Faculty of Science
GNA5022 Sequencing technologies is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before GNA5022
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After GNA5022
2 units list GNA5022 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
COREQUISITE: You must be enrolled in the Master of Genome Analytics, Master of Bioinformatics or with permission from the unit coordinator.
Overview
This unit will cover the theory behind the commonly used sequencing platforms. You will gain a detailed understanding of how sequence data is generated. You will learn about the many different methodologies for sample and library preparation, and their influence on the data generated. You will gain experience in working with different sequence formats and develop skills to critically assess the quality of next generation sequencing data. You will learn how to perform variant calling for several different classes of genomic variation, and critically evaluate which methods are best suited to particular tasks. You will gain experience in identifying errors in sequence data and integrating your knowledge to allow you to troubleshoot the process of sequence generation.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical assessmentDemonstration50%
- Written reportWritten35%
- Oral assessmentPresentation15%
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
Contrast the data types generated by all commonly used sequencing platforms;
- 2
Compare common techniques used for library preparation and explain which library preparation methods are used for a particular task;
- 3
Assess data quality and perform error correction for different types of sequence data;
- 4
Manipulate sequence data from commonly used sequencing techniques and identify suitable variant calling approaches;
- 5
Perform basic genomic analyses associated with functional characterization of variants.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops36 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- One three-hour face-to-face workshop and
- Nine hours of independent study, including pre-recorded material and interactive online sessions per week
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Mike McDonald
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Mike McDonald
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for GNA5022?
GNA5022 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after GNA5022?
GNA5022 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including BMS5309 and GNA5930.
When is GNA5022 offered?
In 2026, GNA5022 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does GNA5022 have an exam?
No. GNA5022 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.