Unit Outline

Genetics forms the nexus between human biology and the environment with almost every human disease having a genetic component. This course covers the basic tenets of human genetics, introducing genetic concepts and building on these throughout the course. This will lead through discussions on: cytogenetics and chromosome disorders, Mendelian diseases, and the genetic complexity of some common human diseases. The role of the human genome and ongoing variation mapping projects, in our current understanding of genetic disease will also be introduced with the statistical and technological base of genetics and genomics being discussed. Specialist topics will also be explored including cancer genetics, bioinformatics and genetic counselling. Key concepts that will be covered include: segregation, linkage and linkage disequilibrium, genetic association and their application to population and family based genetic studies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Explain complex genetic concepts and be able to apply these concepts to explain the genetic basis of human traits, including disease
2	Critically evaluate research literature related to the genetic basis of human traits including disease
3	Explore the ethical principles of genetic research and the use of genetic information in society
4	Use modern approaches, including statistics and bioinformatics, to measure and interpret genetic data such as genetic variation between individuals

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CBA265 AND (CZZ101 OR KPZ164)

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The number of assessment tasks have been reduced based on student feedback.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Written Assignment	Week 7	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Midsemester Test	Week 9	20 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Statistics/Bioinformatics assignment	Week 12	10 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Final exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Written Assignment

Task Description:

Assignment. Critical evaluation and interpretation of data and / or research literature supported by evidence from the scientific literature

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Critically evaluate and interpret genetic data and research literature	LO2
2	Discuss the relevance and utility of genetics in clinical applications	LO1, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Midsemester Test

Task Description:

This assessment task will test knowledge and understanding of content/concepts discussed in online lectures/modules and in associated workshops. The test will comprise short-answer questions (SAQs). The test will be completed in class (invigilated) and will be closed book.

Task Length:

45 mins

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge	LO1
2	Justify ethical principles of genetic research	LO3
3	Analyse and interpret data	LO1, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Statistics/Bioinformatics assignment

Task Description:

Bioinformatics and statistics workshops. Worksheets will be provided for completion during two computer-based practical workshops or in your own time. All required datasets and instructions will be available on MyLO.

Task Length:

2 - 3 hours

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply appropriate methods to analyse genetic data	LO4
2	Accurately interpret genetic information	LO1, LO4

Assessment Task 4: Final exam

Task Description:

Final exam, 2 hours, closed book, invigilated

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Analyse and interpret data	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.