Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit will equip students with a foundation in modern molecular genetics applicable to a wide range of organisms. Students will gain insight into: chromosome structure; mechanisms of transcription and translation; regulation of gene expression; mechanisms of mutation and DNA repair; genetic variation; cell cycle control; and methods for determining gene function. Emphasis will be placed on emerging applications dependent on molecular genetics, including synthetic biology and RNA-based technologies. The unit will have a flipped format with pre-recorded lectures paired with self-study materials. Knowledge will be consolidated through in-person, active-learning workshops. Practical experience will be gained through laboratory sessions featuring routine methods in molecular genetics.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) On-campus - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) define the structural and molecular characteristics of genes and chromosomes, and how they differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes; (2) interpret the molecular mechanisms and general principles by which genes are regulated in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms; (3) explain how variation in gene content can arise and be measured, and can account for phenotypic change including disease; (4) demonstrate how core molecular genetics knowledge can be applied to solve practical problems relating to agriculture, health and the bioeconomy; and (5) acquire and apply technical skills applicable to the molecular life sciences.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) workshop and practical assessments; (2) in-semester tests; and (3) exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Mark Waters
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- IMED1001 Form and Function
and IMED1002 The Facts of Life
or SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or SCIX1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or IMED1003 Cell Survival and Communication - Incompatibility
- GENE2210 Functional Genomics Students enrolled in both MJD-GENET and MJD-HUMGE may choose either GENE2210
OR GENE2220
- Contact hours
- pre-recorded lectures: up to 2 hours per week
laboratory classes: up to 2 hours per week
consolidation workshops: up to 2 hours per fortnight - Note
- Pierce, B. A. Genetics: a Conceptual Approach, 7th edn, update: W. H. Freeman and Co 2024
- Text
-
Pierce, B. A. Genetics: a Conceptual Approach, 4th edn: W. H. Freeman and Co 2012
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.