Studying online
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
Students investigate the genetic basis of polygenic or complex traits and disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders with an emphasis on the current strategies that can be employed to map disease loci. A major focus is the use of next generation sequencing and quantitative transcript data using integrative or genetical genomic approaches. A further emphasis is the development of molecular prioritisation strategies leading to the identification of functional genetic variation that is causal for a particular disease phenotype. Routes to translation of functional genetic information into clinical practice are explored. Lecture topics include family studies of complex disease, association studies and linkage disequilibrium, limitations of genome-wide association studies, pathway analysis using genetic tools, and genome-wide views of disease. At the completion of the unit students are able to understand current strategies for the application of next generation sequencing studies in complex disease research and to analyse and interpret results for understanding genetic influences in complex disease. They also have an appreciation of the possible impact of complex disease genetics on the practice of medicine.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) understand current strategies for the application of next generation sequencing studies in complex disease research; (2) understand and develop strategies to study a particular complex phenotype; (3) analyse and interpret results for understanding genetic influences in complex disease; and (4) have a practical knowledge of the technology used to generate genetic data and an appreciation of the appropriate statistical analyses to extract data.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) lab worksheets and presentations; (2) mid-semester test; and (3) a final examination. 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)
- Professor Lawrie Abraham
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 5 hours per semester
labs: 3 hours per week
- 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.