Students

BIOL2110 – Genetics

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jessica O'Hare
genetics.biol2110@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
BIOL1110 and (BIOL1310 or BIOL1210 or BIOL1620)
Corequisites Corequisites
(STAT1170 or STAT1371) or Admission to BEd (Secondary)
Co-badged status Co-badged status
BIOL2110/BIOX2110/BIOL6110
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.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well Being; Life on Land; Life Below Water

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

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit 

To pass this unit you need to achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% 

 

Participation

There is no mandatory attendance of in person sessions for this unit. We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

 

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

  • Extensions:

    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Poster Presentation 20% No 24/03/2026 Individual Yes Open
Practical Report 40% No 31/05/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final Exam 40% No Exam Period Individual No Observed

Poster Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 24/03/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You are required to design and present a scientific poster on genetics. The grade of your poster assessment will be based on the written and verbal content presented.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe how genetic processes apply to agriculture, human health, society, and the environment
  • Describe routine techniques used to assay genetic variation in populations
  • Source, synthesise and critically evaluate information from the literature in written and oral formats

Practical Report

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 31/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

A major component of this unit is the preparation of a practical report that covers the procedures and results from the related class practical sessions. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe how genetic processes apply to agriculture, human health, society, and the environment
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of genetic research tools (pipettes, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis)
  • Analyse genetic data using some common population genetic software and bioinformatic tools
  • Source, synthesise and critically evaluate information from the literature in written and oral formats

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

Students will be tested on their knowledge of course content. The exam will include information from lectures, practical classes and assessment tasks up to and including week 13. The date for your final exam will be available later in the semester.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe how genetic processes apply to agriculture, human health, society, and the environment
  • Apply numeracy and basic principles of genetics to solve problems and draw conclusions from genetic data
  • Describe routine techniques used to assay genetic variation in populations

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Week 1 Classes

There are no practical classes in Week 1.

 

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries that are personal or unique can be sent to genetics.biol2110@mq.edu.au. Queries that may be relevant to other students should be placed on the iLearn discussion board so that all students can benefit from the answer.

Unit Schedule

Lectures will be delivered as online materials (mostly H5P) that can be completed at any time during the week.

Practical classes will be delivered in-person, and the location of the class will vary based on the required resources for class activities. You only need to attend one class per week, according to the below schedule and your timetable.

  • Practical Series 1 - PRAC1 in your timetable
    • These are wet-lab classes, scheduled in a laboratory space.
    • These classes run in Weeks 2, 7 and 8
  • Practical Series 2 - PRAC2 in your timetable
    • These are computer-based classes, held in a computer space.
    • These classes run in Weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

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

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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

We value student feedback to be able to continually improve the way we offer our units. As such, we encourage students to provide constructive feedback via student surveys, to the teaching staff directly, or via the FSE Student Experience & Feedback link in the iLearn page. Student feedback from the previous offering of this unit was very positive overall. Specific changes in response to feedback includes the lecture delivery style and mode.

Unit information based on version 2026.03 of the Handbook