GENETICS 3113 - Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution (Theory) III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

The DNA molecules that comprise the informational basis of inheritance in living organisms are collectively referred to as the genome. In this course the organisation, origin and mechanisms of change of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes are explored using cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses. Topics include - structure and function of genomes and chromosomes; chromosomes in disease; the roles of natural selection and chance as drivers of molecular evolution.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GENETICS 3113
    Course Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution (Theory) III
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites GENETICS 2510, GENETICS 2520
    Incompatible GENETICS 3110, GENETICS 3111
    Assessment Quizzes, final exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Frank Grutzner

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Knowledge at an advanced level of the origin, structure, function and evolution of genomes and chromosomes; and the roles of chance, mutation and natural selection in evolution at the molecular genetic level.
    2. The ability to interpret the primary scientific literature in cytogenetics and evolutionary genetics.
    3. Application and integration of knowledge in tutorial exercises
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Provided by lecturers
    Recommended Resources
    Provided by lecturers
    Online Learning
    None
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures and workshops
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Contact sessions
    Lectures 24 x 1 hr
    Workshops 12 x 2 hrs
    Quizzes 2 x 2 hrs
    Final Exam 1 x 2 hrs

    Non-contact
    Reading 12 x 4 hrs
    Preperation for tutorials 12 x 4 hrs
    Preperation for quizzes 6 x 2 hrs
    Preperation for final exam 6 x 2 hrs
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lectures
    Chromosome Structure and Evolution
    1. Overview – Chromosome Analysis
    2. Centromeres and Telomeres
    3. Metaphase and Interphase
    4. Meiosis
    5. Histone Code
    6. Chromosome Evolution
    7. Sex Chromosomes in Monotremes I
    8. Sex Chromosomes in Monotremes II
    Evolutionary Genetics
    1. Genetic Distance
    2. Inferring Trees - UPGMa
    3. Inferring Trees – Neighbour-Joining
    Genetic Drift
    1. A First Look
    2. The Decay of Heterozygosity
    3. Mutation & Drift
    Molecular Evolution
    1. The Rate of Substitution & the Neutral Theory
    2. Natural Selection & Genetic Drift
    3. Natural Selection & Molecular Evolution
    Two-Locus Dynamics
    1. Linkage Disequilibrium
    2. Two-Locus Selection - Genetic Hitchhiking
    3. Two-Locus Selection - Clonal Interference
    The Evolution of Sex and Sexes
    1. The Evolution of Sex I - Hill Robertson Interference
    2. The Evolution of Sex II - The Red Queen Hypothesis
    3. The Evolution of Sexes
    Senescence, Kin Selection & Genomic Imprinting
    1. The Evolution of Senescence
    2. Kin Selection
    3. Genomic Imprinting
    Specific Course Requirements
    None
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Quiz 1 Summative 25%
    Quiz 2 Summative 25%
    Theory Exam Summative 50%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    None
    Assessment Detail
    Quizzes (total of 50%)
    Students will complete a total of 2 online quizzes during semester (worth 25% each). Quizzes will consist of multiple choice, true/false, numerical and short answer questions.
    Theory Exam (50%)
    The final 2-hour theory exam will examine the components in the second half of the semester. It will consist of multiple choice, numerical, short answer and long answer questions.
    Submission
    Quizes will be administrered online
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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