Human Genetics

Subject 652-305 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 lectures (three per week)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites:

Genetics 652-214 and 652-215.

BBiomedSc students: Genetics 652-214, 521-213 and 536-250.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Professor J Camakaris
Subject Overview:

Upon completion of the subject, students should have:

  • appreciated the importance of genes in influencing human health, disease and evolution;

  • recognised ways in which environmental factors may modify the effects of genes;

  • appreciated the ethical issues raised by the 'New Genetics';

  • understood the basic techniques and concepts of molecular genetics and human genomics which permit findings at the DNA level to be related to phenotype; and

  • developed skills in use and application of methods of gene mapping and linkage in humans.

This subject focuses on several key areas in contemporary human genetics: mutation in humans and its molecular basis; polymorphisms; selection and its consequences; gene mapping; strategies for identifying genes which cause human disease; the molecular basis of genetic diseases; genetics of cancer and aging; the Human Genome Project and its applications; screening for genetic diseases; genetic counselling, human cytogenetics; and gene-environment interactions. Ethical issues will be discussed in context in various sections of the course.
Assessment: Three problem sets/assignments each less than 1000 words due during the semester (5%); a written class test during semester (15%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes: Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Science
Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology

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