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  2. Genetics [SCI2117]

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Genetics

  • Unit Code

    SCI2117

  • Year

    2019

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    3

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

    N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Annette Erika KOENDERS

Description

This unit introduces students to the fields of transmission, molecular and population genetics. Inheritance is studied at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels and its importance in species survival is highlighted. Genetic processes are linked to evolution through a study of natural selection, mechanisms of speciation and patterns of evolutionary change. Note that laboratory classes in this unit may include the use of animals and animal products.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must have passed 2 units SCI1183 Origins and Evolution of Life, SCI1187 Form and Function in Biology.

Equivalent Rule

Unit is equivalent to SCB2322 Genetics and Evolution.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Explain mechanisms of inheritance in terms of the behaviours and interactions of DNA, alleles, genes and chromosomes.
  2. Relate observed phenotypic traits to genotype and modifiers of genotype expression.
  3. Conduct and analyse simple genetic experiments using appropriate methods.
  4. Describe and apply the central concepts of population genetics, including calculation of fundamental population parameters.
  5. Critically analyse how genetic processes relate to natural selection, evolutionary fitness and speciation.
  6. Discuss the application of genetic concepts and tools in conservation.

Unit Content

  1. Mendelian inheritance: independent assortment and segregation ratios; allelic dominance and co-dominance; modification of Mendelian ratios; multiple-allele systems.
  2. Sex determination and sex-linked inheritance, linkage, crossing over and chromosome mapping.
  3. Chromosomal variations: karyotype; polyploidy; deletions, duplications, inversions and translocations.
  4. Linkage and chromosome mapping.
  5. Quantitative traits.
  6. Population genetics: allele and genotype frequencies, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; measures of diversity; calculation of allele, genotype and phenotype frequencies; gene flow, genetic drift; breeding systems.
  7. Evolutionary genetics: evolutionary fitness; population differentiation, speciation and species concepts, isolating mechanisms, allopatric and sympatric speciation; causes of extinction.
  8. Conservation genetics: genetics of small and fragmented populations; captive breeding; genetic rescue.
  9. Genetic experiments and their analysis: conduct and ethics; care and handling of test organisms; statistical analysis for genetics - chi square, t-test and ANOVA.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 113 x 3 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 113 x 2 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 113 x 1 hour waitlistNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Theoretical learning through recorded and/or live lectures, tutorials, online activities, directed reading assignments, and laboratory work.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Literature ReviewCurrent issue in genetics.40%
Laboratory WorkLaboratory and workshop exercises30%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination30%

Core Reading(s)

  • Klug, W. S., Cummings, M. R., Spencer, C. A., & Palladino, M. A. (2014). Essentials of genetics. (8th ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson Educational. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/870823175?databaseList=638

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI2117|3|1

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Genetics

  • Unit Code

    SCI2117

  • Year

    2019

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    3

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

    N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Annette Erika KOENDERS

Description

This unit introduces students to the fields of transmission, molecular and population genetics. Inheritance is studied at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels and its importance in species survival is highlighted. Genetic processes are linked to evolution through a study of natural selection, mechanisms of speciation and patterns of evolutionary change. Note that laboratory classes in this unit may include the use of animals and animal products.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must have passed 2 units SCI1183 Origins and Evolution of Life, SCI1187 Form and Function in Biology.

Equivalent Rule

Unit is equivalent to SCB2322 Genetics and Evolution.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Explain mechanisms of inheritance in terms of the behaviours and interactions of DNA, alleles, genes and chromosomes.
  2. Relate observed phenotypic traits to genotype and modifiers of genotype expression.
  3. Conduct and analyse simple genetic experiments using appropriate methods.
  4. Describe and apply the central concepts of population genetics, including calculation of fundamental population parameters.
  5. Critically analyse how genetic processes relate to natural selection, evolutionary fitness and speciation.
  6. Discuss the application of genetic concepts and tools in conservation.

Unit Content

  1. Mendelian inheritance: independent assortment and segregation ratios; allelic dominance and co-dominance; modification of Mendelian ratios; multiple-allele systems.
  2. Sex determination and sex-linked inheritance, linkage, crossing over and chromosome mapping.
  3. Chromosomal variations: karyotype; polyploidy; deletions, duplications, inversions and translocations.
  4. Linkage and chromosome mapping.
  5. Quantitative traits.
  6. Population genetics: allele and genotype frequencies, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; measures of diversity; calculation of allele, genotype and phenotype frequencies; gene flow, genetic drift; breeding systems.
  7. Evolutionary genetics: evolutionary fitness; population differentiation, speciation and species concepts, isolating mechanisms, allopatric and sympatric speciation; causes of extinction.
  8. Conservation genetics: genetics of small and fragmented populations; captive breeding; genetic rescue.
  9. Genetic experiments and their analysis: conduct and ethics; care and handling of test organisms; statistical analysis for genetics - chi square, t-test and ANOVA.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 113 x 3 hour labNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 113 x 2 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 113 x 1 hour waitlistNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Theoretical learning through recorded and/or live lectures, tutorials, online activities, directed reading assignments, and laboratory work.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Literature ReviewCurrent issue in genetics.40%
Laboratory WorkLaboratory and workshop exercises30%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination30%

Core Reading(s)

  • Klug, W. S., Cummings, M. R., Spencer, C. A., & Palladino, M. A. (2014). Essentials of genetics. (8th ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson Educational. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/870823175?databaseList=638

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI2117|3|2