Students

MEDI219 – Genetics and Genomics in Medicine

2019 – MED 0

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor, Lecturer, Demonstrator
Mark Baker
Contact via 9850-8211
Office 19, T75
Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri 9-12
Lecturer
Helen Rizos
Contact via 9850-2762
Office 22, T75
Mon-Weds 10-3, Fri 10-3
Lecturer
Ian Blair
Contact via 9850-2725
Office 15, T75
contact by email
Lecturer
Shoba Ranganathan
Contact via 9850-6262
Level 1, F7B
Mon-Fri 10-3
Lecturer
Ashley Crook
Contact via email
MUH
contact by email
Lecturer
Stuart Gallagher
Contact via 9850-2762 (Helen Rizos)
Lecturer
Kelly Williams
Contact via 9850-2731
Level 1, T75
contact by email
Lecturer
Russell Diefenbach
Contact via email
Level 1, T75
contact by email
Lecturer
Esther Lim
Contact via email
Level 1, T75
contact by email
Liza Culleney
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
CBMS104
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces concepts which are core to biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. You will learn about the nature of chemical reactions that occur within the human body and how they are regulated. You will explore the structure and the relationships between the four main biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) within the human body. You will gain an understanding of the fundamental structure of the cell and how this relates to function. Examples of how these processes are altered resulting in human diseases will also be provided. You will participate in practical classes which reinforce the lecture content and provide training in basic laboratory skills

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:

  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply the principle of Mendelian inheritance to analyse transmission of defined traits and simple genetic diseases through human pedigrees
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

General Assessment Information

Assessment: Your raw marks from assessments are combined into a weighted sum. The weighted sums for the whole class are ranked, and compared across other units for appropriate consistency. This process of comparison allows for the identification of unusual influences on class performance that might warrant the weighted sums of marks being scaled or otherwise altered. The numerical cut-off for each descriptive grade is then determined. The numerical value which you are issued with (i.e., Standardised Numerical Grade; SNG) is determined to match your descriptive grade by standardising weighted sums of raw marks to match standard scores out of 100. The SNG gives you an indication of how you have performed within the band for your descriptive grade. As the SNG is the result of scaling the weighted sum of your raw marks, you won't be able to:

  • work out your exam mark based on the assignment marks you already know and the SNG;
  • determine that you were "one mark away" from a different grade.

It is our professional responsibility as your mentors to assign you a grade that accurately reflects your performance. Our grading decisions are subject to scrutiny by academic colleagues at the Program, Faculty and University level.

Grades ranging from High Distinction to Fail are defined as follows:

Grade

SNG

Description

HD

High Distinction

85-100

Work of outstanding quality. This may be demonstrated in areas such as criticism, logical argument, and interpretation of materials or use of methodology. This grade may also be awarded to recognise a high order of originality or creativity in student performance

D

Distinction

75-84

Work of superior quality in the same areas of performance as above. This grade may also be awarded to recognise particular originality or creativity in student performance

Cr

Credit

65-74

Work of predominantly good quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of content together with efficient organisation, selectivity and use of techniques

P

Pass

50-64

Satisfactory achievement of unit objectives

F

Fail

0-49

Failure to achieve unit objectives

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Practical Session Write-Ups 30% No 2 weeks after pracs
Oral Presentation 20% No MEDI219 Weeks 4,5,6
Essay 20% No Feb 8th, 5pm
Final Exam 30% No Friday Feb 15th (10-12)

Practical Session Write-Ups

Due: 2 weeks after pracs
Weighting: 30%

All laboratories (University weeks 2-4) will be conducted in computer data analysis labs. These labs will have a highly investigative approach, where you will be conducting analysis to apply theoretical knowledge to understand genetics, genomics, and other omics data. You will be required to write reports for each of the 3 x MEDI209 practicals. Each is only one week long (i.e., 3 x 10% = 30% of your total assessment). The detailed requirements for each report will be given with notes available before or during each practical class. Prac reports are due two weeks after the practical is complete. Please check iLearn for final due dates. All prac reports should be submitted as requested.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Oral Presentation

Due: MEDI219 Weeks 4,5,6
Weighting: 20%

You will be randomly assigned either a Hot Topic team PowerPoint oral presentation or to one side of a Debate (POSITIVE/NEGATIVE). These will occur during practicals classes (hot topics first followed by debate) held in weeks 4-6 of the unit.

These will be chaired by demonstrators assisting in the running of practical classes.

Past Hot Topics and Debates have been video recorded for marketing of BClinSci program and MEDI209 unit.

  • Hot Topics (groups of 3 students) Student oral class presentations have been incorporated to assist you learn how to communicate science to your peers (peer-assisted learning) as well as to the public. These team presentations address contemporary issues in precision medicine.The length of each person's Hot Topic presentations will be 5min plus 2min for questions. .
  • Debates: Student debates (2 teams (positive and negative) of 3 students) will contend an argument as a formal discussion before a public assembly of your peers. Speeches will be 5 minutes long with additional time for questions once completed. See Rules later in this guide

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply the principle of Mendelian inheritance to analyse transmission of defined traits and simple genetic diseases through human pedigrees
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Essay

Due: Feb 8th, 5pm
Weighting: 20%

Maximum 1,500 word essay (not inclusive of any words used in tables, figures, legends or references) on a topic of relevance to personalised/precision medicine. This means that your integration/synthesis of ideas into new figures, diagrams, summaries and tables will be highly valued.

ESSAY TOPIC

In 2016, Science staff writer Dr Jocelyn Kaiser provocatively concluded that “the gene editor CRISPR won’t fully fix sick people anytime soon”.  Critically evaluate CRISPR technology, in light of her statement and recent advancements.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Final Exam

Due: Friday Feb 15th (10-12)
Weighting: 30%

The final exam (30% total assessment) will be composed of multiple short answer questions and is 2hr in length with 10min reading time. It is designed to address specific understanding of topics presented in lectures, practicals and peer-assisted oral presentation learning exercises. It also assesses that the knowledge you have obtained can be applied to new problems. It is Macquarie University policy to not set early examinations for individuals or groups of students.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply the principle of Mendelian inheritance to analyse transmission of defined traits and simple genetic diseases through human pedigrees
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Delivery and Resources

Lectures, 12hr; Seminars/Tutorials, 12hr; Assessments, 60hr; Class Preparation, 50hr; Labs, 9-12hr; Other, 3hr; Total, 150hrs.

Unit Schedule

 

MEDI219 Lectures, Practicals, Hot Topics and Debates

Academics

Date

Time

Location

Week 1

 

 

 

 

 

L1

 

DNA, Chromosomes & Cells (Chap 1; pp1-18)

 

MSB

 

Jan 7th

 

9-10

 

4 Western Rd 220

Prac 1

Highlighting Protein Structure/Function in Rare Human Diseases (Serpinopathies)

 

MSB, EL, +2 demonstrators

Jan 7th

10-2

6 Eastern Rd 214 Faculty PC Lab

L2

Gene Structure/Expression & the Human Genome (Chap 2; pp19-56)

MSB

Jan 8th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

Week 2

 

 

 

 

 

L3

 

Underpinning DNA Technologies - PCR, Cloning (Chap 3; pp57-79)

RD

Jan 14th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

Prac 2

Global Gene Expression Profiling (Transcriptomic Profiling)

 

EL, RD, AdeP, AS

Jan 14th

10-2

6 Eastern Rd 214 Faculty PC Lab

L4

Transcriptomics

EL

Jan 15th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

Week 3

 

 

 

 

 

L5

 

Single Gene Disorders, Inheritance, Allele Frequencies (Chap 5; pp 117-148)

KW

Jan 21st

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

Prac 3

Next-Gen Sequencing

(Pedigrees, Disease Prediction/Susceptibility)

IB, EL, JF, Alison x

Jan 21st

10-2

6 Eastern Rd 214 Faculty PC Lab

L6

Identifying Disease Genes & Susceptibility (Chap 8)

KW

Jan 22nd

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

Week 4

 

 

 

 

 

L7

****AUSTRALIA DAY HOLIDAY – NO FORMAL LECTURE****

BUT

 ECHO Task – Listen to Genetic Counselling & Approaches to Treating Disease - a lecture by Macquarie Hospital Genetic Counsellor Dr Ashley Crook and Study (textbook Chaps 8 and 9; pp247-370]

AC

 

 

 

L8

Epigenetics & Gene Regulation (Chap 6; pp149-188)

SG

Jan 29th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

HTS 1/2/3 /4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D1

  1. Does Smoking Have a Long-Lasting Impact on Your Genome? Roby Joehanes et al. Epigenetic Signatures of Cigarette Smoking. Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, published online September 20, 2016; doi: 10.1161/circgenetics.116.001506
  2. Green et al., Charting a course for genomic medicine from base pairs to bedside. Nature, 470, 204–213, 2011
  3. Weisman, et al., Genetic alterations of TNBC by targeted Next-Gen sequencing & correlation with tumor morphology. Modern Path 29, 476–488. 2016.
  4. What are the Consequences of Sequencing Healthy People: Noralane M. Lindor, Stephen Thibodeau, Wylie Burke. Whole-Genome Sequencing in Healthy People. MAYO Clinic Proceedings. v92, 1-174, 2017, and J.L. Vassy et al., The impact of whole-genome sequencing on the primary care and outcomes of healthy adult patients. Annals of Internal Medicine, doi:10.7326/M17-0188, 2017.

 

Healthy Lifestyle Is More Important than Known Genetic Risk Factors in Cardiovascular Disease.

 

MSB, HR, RD, TS, EL, AdeP or 1 from Itner’s group

 

Jan 29th

10-2

4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm

 

AND

 

4 Western Rd 232 Tutorial Rm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 5

 

 

 

 

 

L9

 

Transcriptomics: Global Expression Analysis to Medicine

EL

Feb 4th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

L10

Cancer Genetics, Genomics and the TCGA (Chap 10; pp373-427)

MSB

Feb 5th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

HTS 5/6/7/8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D2

  1. Rui Chen, et al., Longitudinal personal DNA methylome dynamics in a human with a chronic condition. Nature Medicine, v24, 1930–1939, 2018.
  2. Life-threatening CAR-T therapy cytokine-release syndrome: Margherita Norelli et al., Monocyte-derived IL-1 and IL-6 are differentially required for cytokine-release syndrome and neurotoxicity due to CAR-T cells. Nature Medicine. v24, 739–748, 2018.
  3. Can physicians personalize diets, matching specific dietary needs to individual genotypes/lifestyle? Piper MD, et al. Matching dietary amino acid balance to the in silico-translated exome optimizes growth and reproduction without cost to lifespan. Cell Metab. 2017 Mar 7;25(3):610-621. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.02.005, and Leitao-Goncalves, R et al., Commensal bacteria and essential amino acids control food choice behaviour and reproduction. PLoS Biology April 25, 2017.
  4. The Cancer Genome Atlas Network. Comprehensive molecular characterization of human colon and rectal cancer. Nature, 487, 330-7. 2012. doi:10.1038/nature 11252.

 

Offspring generated through MRT (often termed as targeted mitochondrial replacement IVF) will (negative) or will not (affirmative) or be adversely affected from the deployment of what effectively is a three-parent technology

MSB, HR, RD, TS, EL, AdeP or 1 from Itner’s group

 

Feb 5th

10-2

4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm

 

AND

 

4 Western Rd 232 Tutorial Rm

Short Essay

(1,500 word)

In 2016, Science staff writer Dr Jocelyn Kaiser provocatively concluded that “the gene editor CRISPR won’t fully fix sick people anytime soon”.  Critically evaluate CRISPR technology, in light of her statement and recent advancements.

 

Feb 8th

5pm

Turnitin/iLearn

Week 6

 

 

 

 

 

L11

 

Big Data: The “Omics” Revolution, HPP & Human Protein Atlas

MSB/SR

Feb 11th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

L12

Personalised Cancer “Omics”, Human Proteome Project & Human Protein Atlas

MSB

Feb 12th

9-10

4 Western Rd 220

HTS 9/10/11/12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D3

  1. Caroline Robert. Is earlier better for melanoma checkpoint blockade? Nature Medicine. v24, 1645–1648, 2018.
  2. Single-cell genome sequencing: current state of the science, Gawad, Koh & Quake. Nature Reviews Genetics 17, 175–188.2016.
  3. Facilitating a culture of responsible and effective sharing of cancer genome data. Siu et al., Nature Medicine 22, 464–471. 2016.
  4. Do personal genomics companies provide accurate, reliable DNA-powered products offering insights on ancestry, entertainment, family, fitness, health and nutrition?

 

Next-gen human genome sequencing will allow diagnosis and treatment of all human cancers within the next decade.

MSB, RD, TS, EL, AdeP or 2 from Itner’s group

 

Feb 12th

10-2

4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm

 

AND

 

4 Western Rd 232 Tutorial Rm

Final Exam

(2hr)

An equal combination of Part A (multiple-choice) and Part B (short answer) questions

MSB

Feb 15th

10-12

4 Western Rd 220 Tutorial Rm

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:

Undergraduate 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 improve your marks and take control of your study.

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Session Write-Ups
  • Oral Presentation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Assessment tasks

  • Oral Presentation
  • Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Session Write-Ups
  • Oral Presentation
  • Final Exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply the principle of Mendelian inheritance to analyse transmission of defined traits and simple genetic diseases through human pedigrees
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Session Write-Ups
  • Oral Presentation
  • Essay
  • Final Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Apply the principle of Mendelian inheritance to analyse transmission of defined traits and simple genetic diseases through human pedigrees
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Session Write-Ups
  • Oral Presentation
  • Essay
  • Final Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis and biological implications of human inheritance
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply the principle of Mendelian inheritance to analyse transmission of defined traits and simple genetic diseases through human pedigrees
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Identify the online resources and tools that deal with the massive data sets released by big data "omics" projects and evaluate the impact of genomics and the other "omics" on current and future medical practice.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical Session Write-Ups
  • Essay
  • Final Exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical and physical sciences that govern human genetics
  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Evaluate approaches to analyzing the inheritance of complex traits and common diseases
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Assessment tasks

  • Oral Presentation
  • Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Assessment task

  • Oral Presentation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of and interpret DNA/RNA (and other "omics") technologies, and evaluate their application (e.g., human genome and human proteome projects) to personalised medicine
  • Apply simple population genetics tools to appreciate how genes behave in populations
  • Create an communal appreciation of ethical considerations around the application of modern "omics" technologies (whole genome and exome sequencing, metabolomics & proteomics) to modern evidence-based personalised medicine

Assessment task

  • Oral Presentation

Changes from Previous Offering

A review of the BClinSci program was undertaken in late 2017. After consultation with past MEDI209 classes only minor changes have been incorporated into the 2019 unit, with significant changes anticipated at a programmatic level in S2 2019. Following positive comments and constructive feedback, two of the MEDI219 practicals have been simplified/shortened with less emphasis on data construction and increased emphasis on data analysis/interpretation.