Courses & Units
Genetics and Evolution KPZ215
Introduction
Genetics & Evolution is a core second year unit for BSc students majoring in Zoology or Plant Science and important for any student studying Biological Sciences. The unit offers an introduction to genetics and evolution, and integrates classical and molecular approaches to understand genetic control, genetic manipulation, and evolutionary processes. The unit reviews classical genetics and develops the themes of linkage, recombination, cytogenetics, and quantitative genetics. We then discuss molecular genetics; including DNA structure, the control of gene expression, tools to analyze genetic variation, and the principles of forward and reverse genetics. This leads to an overview of biotechnologies, ranging from breeding and domestication to genetic modification. Evolutionary theory and processes are discussed with a range of examples, including recent human evolution. The practical component of the unit is a mix of lab-based genetics experiments; technique development in cytology, artificial crossing, and molecular genetics; and determination of evolutionary relationships.
Summary
| Unit name | Genetics and Evolution |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KPZ215 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Robert Wiltshire |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- apply the principles of classical genetics, linkage analysis, and quantitative inheritance to animal and plant models, and describe and how variation in reproductive strategies might affect breeding strategies
- describe the structure of DNA and chromosomes, the ways in which gene expression are altered, the reasons why genome sizes vary between organisms, how genes evolve and how this can reveal evolution, and how molecular genetics can be applied to the study of variation
- extract and analyze DNA using a number of basic techniques.
- give examples of how molecular genetics reveals evolutionary processes in humans.
- illustrate evolutionary processes with appropriate examples in other organisms, and
- use the terminology and apply the theory underlying cladistic analysis to describe evolutionary relationships.
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KPZ164 Cell Biology, Genetics and EvolutionMutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KPA215Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Weekly tutorial followed by three-hour practical sessions; Weekly online modules supported by quizzes |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Assessment Task 10: GMO analysis (2.5%)|Assessment Task 11: DNA Alignment (2.5%)|Assessment Task 11: Evolutionary relationships (2.5%)|Assessment Task 4: Quantitative Genetics (2.5%)|Assessment Task 8: DNA extraction & Pipetting (2.5%)|Assessment Task 9: DNA quality determination (2.5%)|Assessment Task 1&2: L2xL7 F2 Analysis (5%)|Assessment Tasks 6 & 7: Cytogenetics & Flow Cytometry (5%)|Conservation genetics scoring and analysis (5%)|Assessment Task 13: Weekly quizzes (1-12) and pre-lab quizzes (6-8) (15%)|Assessment Task 3: L2xL7 Genetic Analysis report (15%)|Assessment Task 13: Online examination (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.