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
The human species evolved and dispersed across the globe as part of small kin-based groups. Family networks and family histories continue to be a crucial way in which people everywhere understand their place in the world and their connections to others, past and present. Notions of relatedness, ancestry, genealogy and belonging are also highly politicised and frequently invoked in postcolonial, national and legal settings. Rapid advances in genetic technologies and unprecedented global movements of people make it vital to understand the practical and ethical context in which DNA studies, genealogies and family histories are gathered and used for a variety of ends.
This unit gives students the practical skills to construct genealogies and trace family histories while exploring the cultural, legal and ethical concerns that surround these. It covers five main areas: (a) genetics, human diversity and similarity; (b) historical movements, migrations and removals of peoples across the globe; (c) culturally diverse understandings of family, kinship and belonging; (d) how to research and record genealogies, family histories and biographical information; and (e) ethical, political and legal issues surrounding the use and abuse of genealogical information.
The unit is delivered in two distinct parts—a five-week online component consisting of the above five modules, and a one-week face-to-face teaching block based in the Great Southern region, where students undertake practical studies in constructing genealogies, family histories and biographies.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face Not available in 2025 Albany Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the genetic diversity and underlying similarities of humans; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shape the histories of individuals and family groups; (3) demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues and responsibilities associated with the construction of genealogies and family histories; (4) demonstrate how to research genealogies, family histories and life stories; and (5) communicate their findings both orally and in a written format.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) module quizes; (2) written assignment; and (3) oral/multimedia presentation. 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)
- Dr Barbara Cook and Yann Toussaint
- Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):field trips, admission fees (estimated cost - 100). - Contact hours
- engagement with online material for 5 weeks followed by 1-week face-to-face contact in Albany
- Note
- Crawley students are invited to enrol in this unit but should be aware that they will be required to attend a one week residential field-based study in Albany. Local student accommodation is available.
This unit requires a minimum of 10 student enrollments to proceed
- 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.