Genetics and molecular biology
SCB220
Not sure where to start?
- Is online study right for me?
- Why OUA?
- What should I study?
- How does it work?
- How do I enrol?
Discover what's involved in studying through OUA.
Find out moreOverview
Level of study: What does Undergraduate Level 2 mean?
Undergraduate Level 2
EFTSL: What does EFTSL mean?
0.125
Delivery Method: What does delivery method mean?
Web Dependent
Prerequisites: What are the prerequisites?
Availability: What is a Study period?
For enrolment (2012): For forward planning* (2013): What is Forward Planning?- -
- SP2
- -
- SP4
Duration:
13 weeks
Government loans available:
FEE-HELP FEE-HELP
Fee: Fees (current and planned)
- Domestic student fee:
- $1,589.00 (AUD)
- International student fee:
- $1,814.00 (AUD)
Description
Build your knowledge and understanding of traditional and molecular genetics and the molecular biology of organisms. The unit examines advanced aspects of genetics and inheritance at a phenotypic, population and molecular level. The topics covered include molecular biology of genes (gene structure and function), recombinant DNA technology, gene regulation, microbial genetics, mutation and DNA repair, physical analysis of genomes and genomics, population genetics and quantitative genetics, human genetics and the mapping of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
This unit requires you to attend an on-campus practical of five half-days in Melbourne.
Prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
You are recommended to have completed the following unit(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this unit:
Or equivalents before starting this unit.
Assessment
- Assignment 1 (10%)
- Invigilated Exam (50%)
- Quiz 1 (20%)
- Quiz 2 (20%)
Learning Outcomes
Students will gain knowledge capabilities through demonstrated knowledge of the key concepts underpinning genetics of inheritance, molecular biology technologies though the application of knowledge of gene structure and function, gene regulation, microbial genetics, mutation and DNA repair, genomics, population genetics, quantitative genetics and the genetics underpinning development processes. They will specifically develop technical capabilities through the participation in a number of practical laboratory based exercises. These exercises will develop competencies in fundamental genetic analysis, molecular biology, manipulations, including the extraction, purification, digestion, analysis and cloning of DNA fragments in prokaryotic systems. Their capabilities will be developed through their involvement in both individual problem solving exercises and in group problem based activities designed to use knowledge capabilities and technical awareness to tackle new problems in genetic and molecular systems that require in depth critical analysis and problem solving. Skills in communication will be developed during practical and laboratory based work and in the group problem based activities. Through a deeper understanding of genetics, molecular biology, aspects of the ethical perspectives in genetics and biotechnology, the student will develop an increased awareness of the environmental, social, ethical, legal and economic implications of genetics, decisions involving principles of inheritance and biotechnology.
Overview of Learning Activities
The learning activities included in this unit are:
- lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples
- completion of tutorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practise in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding
- completion of written assignments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter
- private study, working through the unit as presented learning materials, and gaining practise at solving conceptual and numerical problems.
Topics
This unit addresses the following topics.
| Number | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bacterial genetics |
| 2 | Mutation, DNA repair and transposons |
| 3 | Advanced eukaryote gene mapping - haploid genetics |
| 4 | Changes in chromosome number and structure |
| 5 | Regulation of gene expression in bacteria |
| 6 | Eukaryote gene regulation |
| 7 | Techniques in molecular biology & biotechnology |
| 8 | Application of recombinant DNA technology |
| 9 | Genomics |
| 10 | Quantitative genetics |
Study Resources
This unit is delivered using the following methods and materials:
Print based materials
- Book of Readings
Online materials
- Audio/Video - Streaming
- Online Assessment
- Printable format materials
- Quizzes
Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a unit.
Click on the titles of the listed books below to find out more:
Required textbooks
There are no required textbooks for this unit.
Relevant Courses
This unit is a core requirement in the following courses:
This unit may be eligible for credit towards other courses:
- Many undergraduate courses on offer through OUA include 'open elective' where any OUA unit can be credited to the course. You need to check the Award Requirements on the course page for the number of allowed open electives and any level limitations.
- In other cases, the content of this unit might be relevant to a course on offer through OUA or elsewhere. In order to receive credit for this unit in the course you will need to supply the provider institution with a copy of the Unit Profile in the approved format, which you can download here. Note that the Unit Profile is set at the start of the year, and if textbooks change this may not match the Unibooks textbook list.
If you would like to study this unit and enrol today, add it to your Study Cart. Alternatively if you are still exploring your options, you can save this unit to review later by clicking Save to Wishlist.
Let's talk
Have a question? Give us a call.
