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Unit outline_

GEGE2901: Genetics and Genomics (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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
Elspeth McLennan, elspeth.mclennan@sydney.edu.au
Emily Remnant, emily.remnant@sydney.edu.au
Alice Huang, alice.huang@sydney.edu.au
Emma Peel, emma.peel@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s) Brian Jones, brian.jones@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Multiple choice, short answer, and problem solving questions.
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task Practical Quiz 1
15 MCQs related to practical activities.
5% Week 04
Due date: 23 Aug 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 Aug 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Practical report
Scientific report on results obtained from population genetics practical.
20% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task Practical Quiz 2
15 MCQs related to practical activities.
5% Week 09
Due date: 27 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 Sep 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Genetics talks (Advanced)
Oral presentation during practical class.
20% Week 11
Due date: 14 Oct 2024 at 23:59
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4
Online task Practical Quiz 3
15 MCQs related to practical activities.
5% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 01 Nov 2024
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

  • Practical Quizzes: 15 multiple choice questions based on practical content, including analysis and interpretation of results
  • 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 2021 (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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades
.

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Genetic inheritance: Mendel to molecules Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Gene interactions: extensions to Mendel Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Introduction to project Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Sex linked inheritance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Sex determination Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Genes, alleles and mutations Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 03 Population genetics 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Population genetics 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Population genetics Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Inheritance, interactions and sex linkage Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Population genetics 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Population genetics 4 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Gene mapping with molecular markers 1 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 05 Chromosomes, ploidy and aberrations Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Linkage and mapping Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Gene mapping with molecular markers 2 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Practical Report and Population Genetics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Mapping genes to genomes Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Quantitative genetics 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Gene Mapping with Molecular Markers 3 Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 07 Quantitative genetics 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Quantitative genetics 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Quantitative genetics Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Linkage and mapping Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Introduction to genomics 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Genomics and Bioinformatics 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Project Workshop Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Genomics and Bioinformatics 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Applications of comparative genomics Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Genome assembly Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Quantitative genetics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 10 Mutation and repair Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Interpreting genomic data Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 11 Mutation and variation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Horizontal gene transfer 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Team Presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO3
Bioinformatics and genomics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Horizontal gene transfer 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Genetic analysis of development 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Genetic analysis 1 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 13 Genetic analysis of development 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Revision Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Genetic analysis 2 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Mutation, horizontal, genetic analysis Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

All lectures, practicals and tutorials are delivered face-to-face.

Unless otherwise stated, students must attend a minimum of 8 of the practicals (80%) as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

All lecture sessions will be recorded and available through the Recorded Lectures tab on Canvas.

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.

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.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

We will continue to deliver all classes in person. We added report writing videos and in-person classes to support assessments, which students found helpful. We will continue to work towards providing more support and clarity around expectations for the assessments. We have included quizzes related to the practical material and applications of lecture content.

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.