Outline

Overview

The era of genomics has revolutionised our approach to biology. Recent breakthroughs in genetics and genomic technologies have led to improvements in human and animal health, in breeding and selection of economically important organisms and in the curation and care of wild species and complex ecosystems. In this unit, students will investigate/describe ways in which modern biology uses genetics and genomics to study life, from the unicellular through to complex multicellular organisms and their interactions in communities and ecosystems. This unit includes a solid foundation in classical Mendelian genetics and its extensions into quantitative and population genetics. It also examines how our ability to sequence whole genomes has changed our capacities and our understanding of biology. Links between DNA, phenotype and the performance of organisms and ecosystems will be highlighted. The unit will examine the profound insights that modern molecular techniques have enabled in the fields of developmental biology, gene regulation, population genetics and molecular evolution. The Advanced mode of Genetics and Genomics will provide you with challenge and a higher level of academic rigour. You will have the opportunity to plan a project that will develop your skills in contemporary genetics/molecular biology techniques and will provide you with a greater depth of disciplinary understanding. The Advanced mode will culminate in a written report and/or in an oral presentation where you will discuss a recent breakthrough that has been enabled by the use of modern genetics and genomics technologies. This is a unit for anyone wanting to better understand the how genetics has shaped the earth and how it will shape the future.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Annual average mark of at least 70
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GENE2002 or MBLG2072 or GEGE2001 or MBLG2972
Assumed knowledge ?	Mendelian genetics, mechanisms of evolution, molecular and chromosomal bases of inheritance, and gene regulation and expression
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Emily Remnant, emily.remnant@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Nathan Lo, nathan.lo@sydney.edu.au
	Timothy Newsome, timothy.newsome@sydney.edu.au
	Camilla Whittington, camilla.whittington@sydney.edu.au
	Emily Remnant, emily.remnant@sydney.edu.au
	Alice Huang, alice.huang@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Brian Jones, brian.jones@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam Multiple choice, short answer, and problem solving questions.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Practical report Scientific report on results obtained from practicals.	25%	Week 10	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Advanced talks Oral presentation during practical class.	25%	Week 11	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Practical Report: 1500 word report on laboratory practicals
Advanced Talk: Group presentation during practical class. File must be submitted to Canvas by the due date.
Final exam: Multiple choice, short answer and problem solving questions.

Final exam: This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Genetic inheritance: Mendel to molecules	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gene interactions: extensions to Mendel	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to project	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 02	Sex linked inheritance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sex determination	Lecture (1 hr)
	Genes, alleles and mutations	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Inheritance, interactions and sex linkage	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Chromosomes, ploidy and aberrations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Linkage and mapping	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gene mapping with molecular markers 1	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Inheritance, interactions and sex linkage	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Mapping genes to genomes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to genomics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gene mapping with molecular markers 2	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Linkage and mapping	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to genomics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bioinformatics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Genome assembly	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Linkage and mapping	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Applications of comparative genomics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mutation and repair	Lecture (1 hr)
	Interpreting genomic data	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Bioinformatics and genomics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Mutation and variation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Horizontal gene transfer 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Advanced workshop	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Bioinformatics and genomics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Horizontal gene transfer 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Genetic analysis of development 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Advanced workshop	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 09	Genetic analysis of development 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Genetic analysis 1	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 10	Population genetics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Population genetics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Genetic analysis 2	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Mutation, horizontal, genetic analysis	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Population genetics 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Population genetics 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Advanced talks	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Mutation, horizontal, genetic analysis	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Quantitative genetics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Quantitative genetics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Population genetics	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Population and quantitative genetics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Revision session 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Revision session 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Quantitative genetics	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Population and quantitative genetics	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Klug, W.S. (2020) Essentials of genetics . Tenth edition. Hoboken, NJ, Pearson.
Meneely, P.M. (2017) Genetics : genes, genomes, and evolution . Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand mechanisms underlying genetic and genomic variation across all life forms (the Tree of Life), and how this variation shapes life on earth.
LO2. Choose among genetic and genomic analytical tools and apply them to investigate research questions in the Life Sciences.
LO3. Work individually and as part of a team to critically evaluate scientific information, and communicate research results via scientific reports and presentations.
LO4. Describe how genetics and genomics are increasingly contributing to the Life Sciences, and more broadly, to Society.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Activities will be included in the practicals to support the scientific report.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEGE2901: Genetics and Genomics (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect