Course Outline

SCI212 Genetics

Course Coordinator:Nguyen Nguyen Hong (nnguyen@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Genetics is integral to biology because organisms are a product of both genetics and their environment. This central tenet is the basis of the course. You learn the foundations of how genes are transmitted and inherited (the rules of inheritance) and how these rules are modified. You apply this knowledge to analyse scenarios using techniques to understand the mode of inheritance and solve genetics problems. This course helps you to better understand areas as diverse as evolution, medical counselling and ethics, the biology of development, the dynamics of populations and molecular biology.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Learning materials (online) will introduce the concepts of genetics and genomics. 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus experiment-based practicals to be conducted in wet labs 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Laboratory 2 – On campus computer-based practicals 2hrs Week 2 6 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial/workshop 2hrs Week 13 Once Only

Course Topics

  • Overview of genetics. Nature of genetic materials and review of basic concepts
  • Principle of heredity
  • Advanced modes of inheritance, linkage analysis and gene mapping
  • Genetic variation and phenotype
  • Gene strcuture, function, expression and regulation
  • Evolution and population genetics
  • Microbial genetics/ genomics
  • Quantitative genetics
  • Beyond the genome: Cytoplasmic inheritance and epigenetics
  • Genome and genomics
  • Applied genetics with a focus on cancer genetics/genomics
  • Methods and tools in genetics and genomics

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate and apply foundational knowledge of:the central role of genetics in biology organisms being a product of their genetics & environment the transmission and inheritance of genes within populations to genetics problems Knowledgeable
2 Solve a wide range of problems in genetics concerning different species, by using techniques to process genetic data from scenarios analysing the data to determine modes of inheritance and genetic mapping predicting phenotypes based on a hypothesis Creative and critical thinker
3 Communicate your solutions to genetics problems to specialist audiences according to conventions Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

LFS100 or (LFS103 and enrolled in Program SE303, AE304, SC355, SC357 or SC354) or SCI102 or first year subjects from Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Animal Ecology

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Open book online quizzes will help you to learn and revise and build your confidence for the final exam.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 30%
20-30 mins
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 2 Report Individual 50%
1-2 pages (300 approx depending on the prac)
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 3 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 20%
2 hours
Week 13 In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Online weekly quizzes
Goal:
To learn and revise Course topics to build foundational knowledge and practice techniques when solving problems
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Lecturers and tutors will model the problem solving approaches for these open book online quizzes that you do in your own time. These help you to learn and revise and build your confidence for the final exam. They are automatically assessed and the correct answers are provided online after you complete the quiz. The lecturer goes through a review of any quiz on request.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate and apply foundational knowledge of: 
the central role of genetics in biology
1 2
2
organisms being a product of their genetics & environment
1 2
3
the transmission and inheritance of genes within populations to genetics problems
1 2
4
Solve a wide range of problems in genetics concerning different species, by: 
using techniques to process genetic data from scenarios
1 2 3
5
analysing the data to determine modes of inheritance and genetic mapping
1 2 3
6
predicting phenotypes based on a hypothesis
1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Practical reports
Goal:
To communicate laboratory activities and findings that demonstrates application of foundational knowledge and problem solving skills.
Product: Report
Format:
Weekly. These reports are about your laboratory-based activities. They include drawings, observations, data analysis, cytology, probabilities, simulations, and virtual laboratories. Depending on the activity, the reports will vary between 1-2 pages. Your lecturer will provide advice on how to present each report in relation to the nature of the particular practical activity.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate and apply foundational knowledge of: 
the central role of genetics in biology
1 2
2
organisms being a product of their genetics & environment
1 2
3
the transmission and inheritance of genes within populations to genetics problems
1 2
4
Solve a wide range of problems in genetics concerning different species, by: 
using techniques to process genetic data from scenarios
1 2 3
5
analysing the data to determine modes of inheritance and genetic mapping
1 2 3
6
predicting phenotypes based on a hypothesis and communicate your solutions to genetics problems to specialist audiences according to conventions
1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Final exam
Goal:
To demonstrate and apply foundational genetics knowledge to solve problems and communicate solutions according to conventions.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:
A combination of short answers, and short essays
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate and apply foundational knowledge of: 
the central role of genetics in biology
1 2
2
organisms being a product of their genetics & environment
1 2
3
the transmission and inheritance of genes within populations to genetics problems
1 2 3
4
Solve a wide range of problems in genetics concerning different species, by: 
using techniques to process genetic data from scenarios
1 2 3
5
analysing the data to determine modes of inheritance and genetic mapping
1 2 3
6
predicting phenotypes based on a hypothesis and communicating your solutions to genetics problems to specialist audiences according to conventions
1 2 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required William S. Klug,Michael R. Cummings,Charlotte A. Spencer,Michael A. Palladino,Darrell Killian 2020 Essentials of Genetics, EBook, Global Edition Latest Edition (if available) Pearson UK

Specific requirements

Laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed in footwear

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all studio and laboratory classes and a low level of health and safety risk exists. Some risk concerns may include equipment, instruments, and tools; as well as manual handling items within the laboratory. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
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  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au