This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Genetics and molecular biology
Undergraduate
RMI-SCB220 2018Course information for 2018 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Zero in on the building blocks that make up organisms across the planet. Question how genes are structured and mapped. Consider concepts like inheritance and DNA repair. Look to the ethical quandaries that the study of molecular biology can raise.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Genetics and molecular biology
About this subject
Students will gain knowledge capabilities through demonstrated knowledge of the key concepts 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 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 subject 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 subject as presented learning materials, and gaining practise at solving conceptual and numerical problems.
- Assignments and Bacterial genetics
- Mutation, DNA repair and transposons
- Advanced eukaryote gene mapping - haploid genetics
- Changes in chromosome number and structure
- Regulation of gene expression in bacteria
- Eukaryote gene regulation
- Techniques in molecular biology & biotechnology
- Application of recombinant DNA technology
- Genomics
- Quantitative and population genetics
Build your knowledge and understanding of traditional and molecular genetics and the molecular biology of organisms. The subject 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.
Please note the dates below for the compulsory requirements for this subject to attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's Bundoora Campus:
Study Period 2:
- Jun 25 - 29, 2018 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM*
Study Period 4:
- Feb 04 - 08, 2019 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM*
*More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Blackboard.
- Jun 25 - 29, 2018 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM*
- Assignments and Problem Sheets (15%)
- Practical Report and Quiz (15%)
- Invigilated Exam (50%)
- Online Quizzes and Tests (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
Others
Or equivalents before starting this subject.
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Students must attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's Bundoora Campus: More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Blackboard.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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