Genetics is the science of heredity, including: the structure, expression and regulation of genes, the genetic basis of traits, and the interaction between genes and the environment at the population and species level which underpin the evolutionary process. The growing availability of completely sequenced genomes, computational analysis and molecular analytic tools has revolutionised genetics, leading to discoveries in areas as diverse as medicine, agriculture, conservation biology, evolution and biotechnology. The genetics specialisation will place students in an excellent position to pursue higher studies in medical, ecological and evolutionary biology. Familiarity with genetic principles and techniques is also an asset in careers as diverse as law, medical science, agriculture and environmental management.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Describe and explain, in depth, the nature of genetic variation and the factors that influence gene flow, evolutionary change and the genetic structure of populations.
2. Use experimental and quantitative methods to identify, quantify and statistically analyse genetic variation within populations, and apply these strategies to evolutionary, forensic and medical problems.
3. Describe and explain, in depth, the molecular basis for inheritance and the way in which genetic information is expressed in cells.
4. Apply genetic reasoning to different experimental problems and communicate the results obtained.
5. Be able to effectively communicate and discuss the impact of modern genetics on the way our society deals with medical problems.
Advice to students:
Students should complete BIOL1003 and BIOL1004 in first year. Some later year genetics courses also require CHEM1101. Students should also complete BIOL2161 and/or BIOL2151 in second year.
For students taking BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this specialisation, the research project must be in the field of genetics.
Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this specialisation.
Requirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:
Biochemistry
Cell and Molecular Biology
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Human Biology
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL2151 | Genetics | 6 |
| BIOL2161 | Genes: Replication and Expression | 6 |
18 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL3108 | Hallmarks of Cancer | 6 |
| BIOL3109 | Ecological and Evolutionary Developmental Biology | 6 |
| BIOL3157 | Bioinformatics and its Applications | 6 |
| BIOL3161 | Genomics and its Applications | 6 |
| BIOL3193 | Bacteria and Health: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective | 6 |
| BIOL3204 | Genetics of Human Disease 1 | 6 |
| BIOL3205 | Genetics of Human Disease 2 | 6 |
| BIOL3206 | Macroevolution and Macroecology | 6 |
| BIOL3208 | Biology Research Project | 6 |
| BIOL3209 | Biology Research Project | 12 |