Students

BIOL2110 – Genetics

2020 – Session 1, Infrequent attendance, North Ryde

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Rachael Dudaniec
Unit Co-convenor
Jaco Le Roux
Kate Barry
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(BIOL1110 or BIOL115) and ((BIOL1310 or BIOL114) or (BIOL1210 or BIOL108) or (BIOL1610 or BIOL116) or (BIOL1620))
Corequisites Corequisites
(STAT1170 or STAT170) or (STAT1371 or STAT171) or FOSE1015
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Genetics occupies a central role in modern sciences, with profound implications for basic and applied research in biology, medicine and agriculture, as well as for a number of philosophical issues in human affairs. This unit offers a balanced approach to teach introductory principles of genetics. It combines sections on classical, molecular and population genetics presented in an integrative way. The practical sessions offer students the possibility of learning essential techniques and skills in modern molecular genetics.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Describe how genetic processes apply to agriculture, human health, society, and the environment
  • ULO2: Apply numeracy and basic principles of genetics to solve problems and draw conclusions from genetic data
  • ULO3: Describe routine techniques used to assay genetic variation in populations
  • ULO4: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of genetic research tools (pipettes, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis)
  • ULO5: Analyse genetic data using some common population genetic software and bioinformatic tools
  • ULO6: Source, synthesise and critically evaluate information from the literature in written and oral formats

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit students must attempt each assessment task and achieve 45% or more in the final exam. The final exam is comprised of multiple choice and short answer questions which will require problem solving and knowledge of genetic processes and techniques.

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

UNIT TEXT BOOK

 

Peirce (2017). Genetics: A conceptual Approach (6th Edition). W.H. Freeman and Company, NewYork.

Other Major References

General Genetics

J.H. (2015). An Introduction to Genetic Analysis (11th Edition) W. H. Freeman, New York. Population and Molecular Evolutionary Genetics

Avise, J. C. (2004). Molecular Markers, Natural History and Evolution.Sinauer, New York.

Frankham, R., Ballou, J. D. and Briscoe D. A. (2002) Introduction to Conservation Genetics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,UK.

Hartl, D. L. and Clark, A. G. (1997) Principles of Population Genetics (3rd Edition) Sinauer Assoc.Massachusetts.

Problems

Price H.J. (2000) Study Guide and Problems Workbook for Principles of Genetics (2nd Edition). John Wiley & Sons, NewYork.

Thompson, J. N., Hellack, J. J., Braver, G. and Durica, D. S. (1997). Primer of genetic analysis. A problems approach. Cambridge University Press,Cambridge.

UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

BIOL2110 on iLearn

Access Web Address: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/

More information on this system can be found at the following site: http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/ student_info/

iLearn provides essential information on various aspects of the unit, including practical guides, various notes, material required for practical reports, and general information about the unit.

Students should visit our web site on a weekly basis. Lecture notes and audio are available via Echo360.

If you are having trouble accessing your online unit due to a disability or health condition, please go to the Student Services Website at http://sss.mq.edu.au/equity/about  for information on how  to get assistance.

If you are having problems logging on, If you cannot log in after ensuring you have entered your username and password correctly, you should contact Student IT Help, Phone: (02) 9850 4357 (in Sydney) or 1 800 063 191 (outside Sydney).

Unit Schedule

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Lecture Schedule 2020

Wednesday 2pm-3pm in Theatre 2 (T2) 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave; Thursday 1pm-2pm in Theatre 5 (T5) 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave

Lecture            Date                Topic

1                      Feb 26             Unit Introduction and Basic Revision

2                      Feb 27             Basic Revision 2: Sex and Reproduction

3                      March 4           Mendelian Genetics

4                      March 5           Sex Determination Patterns of Inheritance

5                      March 11         Allelic variation and gene function

6                      March 12         Linkage and Crossing Over

7                      March 18         Chromosome Number and Structure

8                      March 19         DNA Replication and Synthesis

9                      March 25         Transcription and Translation

10                    March 26         Gene Expression, Mutation and DNA Repair

11                    April 1             Molecular Techniques I

12                    April 2             Molecular Techniques II

13                    April 8             Population Genetics

14                    April 9             Inbreeding and Inbreeding Depression

Mid-Semester Break

X                      April 29           No lecture scheduled

15                    April 30           Epigenetics

16                    May 6              Evolutionary Genetics

17                    May 7              Quantitative Genetics

18                    May 13            Conservation Genetics

19                    May 14            Reflecting on a successful career in genetics

20                    May 20            Human Genetics

21                    May 21            Technological Advances and Applications

22                    May 27            Revision 1

23                    May 28            Revision 2

 

Internal Practical Schedule

Week               Date                            Practical/Tutorial

1                      27 & 28 Feb                NO PRACTICAL/TUTORIAL

2                      5 & 6 March                DNA Extraction and PCR

3                      12 & 13 March            DNA Sequence Alignment and Data Analysis

4                      19 & 20 March            Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium – single locus

5                      26 & 27 March            Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium – population level

6                      2 & 3 April                   Data Quality in Genomics

7                      9 & 10 April                 NO PRACTICAL/TUTORIAL

Mid-Semester Break

8                      30 April & 1 May         Poster Session I

9                      7 & 8 May                   Poster Session II

10                    14 & 15 May               Revision questions

11                    21 & 22 May               Test

12                    28 & 29 May               Test Revision

13                    4 & 5 June                   NO PRACTICAL/TUTORIAL

 

External Practical Schedule

First On-Campus Session

Saturday March 14, 9.00 am (E8A150)

DNA Prac I - Extraction Review problem sets 1 - 2

DNA Prac II - PCR, Electrophoresis Finish ~ 6:00pm

Sunday March 15, 9.00 am (E8A 150)

HWE pracs 1 and 2

DNA Prac III - Sequence alignment and data analysis,

Practical report guidance

Finish ~ 6.00 pm

 

Second On-Campus Session

Monday April 20, 9.00am (E8A 150)

Data Quality in Genomics and HWE

Review problem set 3, 4 & 5 Finish ~6:00pm

 

Third On-Campus Session

Saturday May 23, 9.00 am (E8A 150)

All student posters

Revision Questions

Finish ~6:00pm

Sunday May 24, 9.00 am (E8A 150)

Revision Questions

Test

Finish ~ 2:00 pm

 

External Assessment Schedule (2020)

Date                                        Assessment

Saturday 14 March                 Problem Sets 1 & 2 Due

Friday 17 April                        Practical Report Due

Saturday 20 April                    Problem Sets 3 - 5 Due

Thursday 21 May                    Poster power point file due

Saturday 23 May                    Poster presentation (on campus session)

Sunday May 24                      Test

Exam Period                           Final exam

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

In response to the recent teaching evaluation and development surveys for this unit we have increased feedback for the test by dedicating the practical session following the test to working through the solutions. Additional feedback will also now be provided for the practical report. The word count for the practical report has also been reduced as has the length of the exam.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
18/02/2020 Checking if due dates show up (test for 1 unit guide for BIOL2110 - three more to go...)