Hobart
Introduction
This unit offers an extension to first-year Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution and integrates classical and molecular approaches to understand genetic control, genetic manipulation, and evolutionary processes. The unit starts with a review of classical genetics and develops the themes of linkage, recombination, cytogenetics, and quantitative genetics. We then move to a discussion of molecular genetics; including DNA analysis, forward and reverse genetics. This leads to an overview of biotechnologies, ranging from breeding and domestication to genetic modification. Evolutionary processes are illustrated with the dramatic radiation of the angiosperms, and population genetics with the equally dramatic radiation of the humans. 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 2020
| Unit name | Genetics and Evolution |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KPZ215 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Zoology|Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Coordinator | Dr Rob Wiltshire |
| Teaching staff | Prof René Vaillancourt, Dr Dorothy Steane, Assoc Prof Jim Weller |
| Available as student elective? | Yes |
| Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
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TNE Program units special approval requirements.
* 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 (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the principles of classical genetics, linkage analysis, and quantitative inheritance to animal and plant models.
2. Describe the variation in reproductive strategies and how it might affect breeding strategies.
3. 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, applications of molecular genetics to the study of variation at a number of levels.
4. Extract and analyze DNA using a number of basic techniques.
5. Give examples of how molecular genetics reveals the evolutionary processes in humans.
6. Illustrate evolutionary processes with appropriate examples.
7. Use the terminology and apply the theory underlying cladistic analysis to describe evolutionary relationships.
Fees
Requisites
Prerequisites
KPZ164
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KPA215
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 lectures weekly, 3 hrs practical weekly. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 2 hour theory exam (60%), internal assessment (40%) which is comprised of lab exercises, quizzes, and a written lab report. |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | None |
|---|
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