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LocationDomesticInternational
Gold CoastSession 2Session 2

Unit description

Introduces students to the principles of molecular genetics with an emphasis on human disease and an understanding of the key concepts underlying the experimental techniques of DNA manipulations.  Topics include Mendelian genetics, chromosome structure, DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, mutation and DNA repair, molecular genetic analysis, complex genetic disease, DNA testing, biotechnology and gene therapy.

Unit content

  • Introduction to genetics, cells, chromosomes and meiosis
  • Basic principles of heredity
  • Non-Mendelian inheritance patterns
  • DNA and chromosome structure
  • DNA replication
  • Transcription and RNA processing
  • Translation and the genetic code
  • Gene expression
  • Chromosomal and DNA mutations and DNA repair
  • Molecular genetic analysis and biotechnology
  • Genetic testing and gene therapy
  • Complex genetic disease

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1describe the processes relating to DNA storage, replication and expression of genetic materialIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
2relate chromosomal, single and multifactorial gene mutations to human diseasesIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
3demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of DNA mutation and repairIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4evaluate methods of identifying human disease genes Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5develop analytical and laboratory skills in the area of molecular geneticsIntellectual rigourLifelong learning
6apply knowledge of Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance in the case of genetically inherited diseasesIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe the processes relating to DNA storage, replication and expression of genetic material
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. relate chromosomal, single and multifactorial gene mutations to human diseases
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of DNA mutation and repair
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. evaluate methods of identifying human disease genes
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. develop analytical and laboratory skills in the area of molecular genetics
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  6. apply knowledge of Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance in the case of genetically inherited diseases
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Prescribed texts

  • Jorde, LB, Carey, JC & Bamshad, MJ, 2015, Medical Genetics, 5th edn, Elsevier.
  • The 6th edition or the 5th edition will be fine: Pierce, BA, 2017, Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, 6th edn, WH Freeman and Company, New York. ISBN: 978-1-319-05096-2.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Lecture online 1 hr (12 wks)
Tutorial on-site 2 hrs (6 wks)
Laboratory session 3 hrs (6 wks )
Assessment
Practical report 20%
Competency check10%
Exam: closed book60%
Quiz10%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2020 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 2

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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