Biological Sciences
Level 3 Genetics Units in 2012
More information, including lecture topics, can be found at:
www.biolsci.monash.edu.au/units/index.html
Information on Genetics Honours can be found at:
www.biolsci.monash.edu.au/honours/index.html
GEN3040 (semester 1)
Advanced Molecular Genetics and its
Applications
Information from genome sequencing projects is
impacting strongly on many aspects of biology.
In this unit students study advanced areas of
genomics such as functional and comparative
genomics, as well as advances in the regulation
of gene activity and its ability to control and
improve growth, development, health and
performance at both the cellular and the whole
organism level. Such information will
increasingly be important in the 21st century for
sustainable development of human civilization in
concert with a healthy environment. Students
gain practical experience in analysing gene
structure and expression and in sophisticated
genome analysis.
GEN3051 (semester 1)
Medical and Forensic Genetics
The study of human genetics and its applications
to medicine and forensic biology, including areas
such as genetic disorders, genetic screening and
DNA profiling. Topics include the molecular
basis of genetic disease, genetic counselling,
gene therapy, and forensic genetics. The impact
and ethics of recent genetic advances on both
the individual and society will be discussed.
Current techniques in DNA testing both in
medical diagnosis and forensic biology are fully
explored.
GEN3030 (semester 2)
Developmental and Cellular
Genetics
The development of multicellular organisms from a
single cell is a triumph of evolution. This unit
explores the fascinating subject of how genes
control the gradual unfolding of the body plan
following fertilization. The approach is comparative,
based on knowledge that has come from model
organisms including yeast, Arabidopsis (a model
plant), a nematode, a fly, a fish, and the mouse.
Students learn current techniques such as how
transgenic organisms are generated and used to
study gene function. Practical experience is gained
in studying the roles of genes in development in
many model organisms.
GEN3062 (semester 2)
Evolutionary and Ecological
Genetics
This unit takes an evolutionary and ecological
genetics approach to understanding evolution. It
covers how the four evolutionary forces, mutation,
random genetic drift, natural selection and gene
flow act within and between populations to cause
evolutionary change. It focuses on evolutionary
processes, especially adaptation by natural
selection, in an ecological context to explain
patterns of biodiversity in nature. It covers
quantitative genetic and genomic approaches to
understanding the genetic basis of evolutionary
change, as well as illustrating how evolutionary
and ecological genetics have direct contributions
to make to biodiversity management and
conservation.
GEN3990 (either semester 1 or 2)
Genetics in Action Research Project
This unit provides the opportunity for high
achieving students to undertake an individual
research project in Genetics with an academic
supervisor. It includes a critical literature review,
experimental design and data analysis, and
seminar attendance. The student must maintain
regular contact with the supervisor(s) and subject
coordinator.