This course introduces the principles of population, evolutionary and quantitative genetics. We do this by asking: what can we learn from DNA? In answering this question we focus on the practical applications of the theory illustrated by human forensic DNA analysis, conservation genetics and evolutionary genetics. In the practical component of the course, students will gain hands on experience in human forensic DNA profiling in the laboratory, as well as statistical analysis skills across a range of genetic topics. Other topics covered include epigenetics and next generation sequencing.
Honours pathway option (HPO)
Entry to the HPO requires a mark of at least 75 in BIOL1003 or BIOL1004 and approval of the course convenor. The options available may vary from year to year.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the key concepts in population, evolutionary and quantitative genetics including: the basis of genetic variation; heritability; Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium; roles of migration, mutation and genetic drift in evolution; inbreeding and inbreeding depression; epigenetics.
- Understand the range of molecular laboratory techniques used routinely in human forensic analysis and population genetic analysis including sex typing, DNA profiling, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) detection and DNA sequencing.
- Perform by hand, calculator and computer software the statistical analysis of genetic data relevant to forensic, conservation, quantitative and evolutionary genetics, and summarise and interpret the outcomes.
- Search the literature to identify papers relevant to the genetic data sets provided for statistical analysis and integrate and evaluate the findings in written form.
Other Information
This course is designed for both students needing a solid grounding in the principles of population and evolutionary genetics, in order to pursue studies in genetics, ecology or evolution, as well as students who wish to gain a thorough understanding of the practical application of population genetics to human forensic DNA analysis, conservation biology and evolutionary biology.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignment 1 - Intro to Forensic DNA Analysis 15% (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Assignment 2 - Statistics of Forensic DNA Analysis 30% (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Assignment 3 - Quantitative Genetics 5% (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Assignment 4 - Evolutionary Genetics 5% (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final Exam (45%, LO 1-3) (45) [LO 1,2,3]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
Three lectures per week, and up to six practical/tutorial sessions of three hours each and up to six computer lab sessions of one hour each.
Inherent Requirements
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Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
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Majors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3662 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | View |