GENE4001 Advanced Studies in Genetics and Genomics

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 4 elective
  • Honours core unit in Genetics [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Content
The topics covered in this unit build on those presented in undergraduate units, and reflect cutting-edge developments in genetics and genomics, providing students with an understanding and knowledge of the discipline at an advanced level. Topics include (1) genomics—high throughput exploration of cellular function (three lectures); (2) evolutionary/population genomics (three lectures); (3) proteomics/transcriptomics—insights into the coding capacity of genomes (three lectures); and (4) synthetic biology (three lectures). Students develop and present a 20-minute lecture on an aspect of one of the topics through independent readings, in consultation with the academic staff member in charge of the topic. The lecture highlights the research that has led to our current understanding of the topic.

The main academic objective is for students to gain an understanding and an appreciation of how the knowledge in a field of genetics and/or genomics progresses. Students' abilities in database searching, data management, critical thinking, data analysis, and interpretation of results are extended. Students also broaden their knowledge base and gain experience in presenting material unrelated to their research project.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) discuss and describe recent advances in the disciplines of genetics and genomics; (2) develop the emergence of a scientific discipline in historical, technological and knowledge-based contexts, and present this information in the form of a lecture; and (3) search databases and manage the acquired information, think critically, analyse data and interpret results.
Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes and (2) an oral presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.
Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Michael Considine
Unit rules
Prerequisites:
enrolment in the Master of Biomedical Science (71520)
or
the Master of Health Science (71540)
or
the Master of Biotechnology (71580)
or
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BH004)
and
GENE4003 Integrated Topics in Genetics II
or
a Genetics major
or
major in Anatomy and Human Biology
and
ANHB3321 Biological Anthropology: Genes and Society
Advisable prior study:
undergraduate major in Genetics
or
equivalent
Contact hours
lectures: 12; presentation sessions: approximately 10 (depending on student enrolment); consultation with academic staff during presentation planning: approximately 5
Unit Outline
Semester 1_2019 [SEM-1_2019]
  • 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.
  • Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.