Human Genetics unit (CEA301)

Hobart

Introduction

Genetics forms the nexus between human biology and the environment with almost every human disease having a genetic component. This course covers the basic tenets of human genetics, introducing genetic concepts and building on these throughout the course. This will lead through discussions on: cytogenetics and chromosome disorders, Mendelian diseases, and the genetic complexity of some common human diseases. The role of the human genome and ongoing variation mapping projects, in our current understanding of genetic disease will also be introduced with the statistical and technological base of genetics and genomics being discussed. Specialist topics will also be explored including cancer genetics, bioinformatics and genetic counselling. Key concepts that will be covered include: segregation, linkage and linkage disequilibrium, genetic association and their application to population and family based genetic studies.

Summary

Unit name	Human Genetics
Unit code	CEA301
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Medicine
Discipline	Medicine|Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Coordinator	Associate Professor Kirsten Fairfax
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain complex genetic concepts and be able to apply these concepts to explain the genetic basis of human traits, including disease
• Critically evaluate research literature related to the genetic basis of human traits including disease
• Explore the ethical principles of genetic research and the use of genetic information in society
• Use modern approaches, including statistics and bioinformatics, to measure and interpret genetic data such as genetic variation between individuals

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010909	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,862.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CBA265 AND (CZZ101 OR KPZ164)

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Independent Learning 2-3 hours weekly; Workshop 2 hours weekly; Self-directed study 3-4 hours weekly
Assessment	Statistics/Bioinformatics assignment (10%)|Midsemester Test (20%)|Written Assignment (30%)|Final exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings and other resources will be provided through MyLO.
Recommended	You can access the reading list for this unit from the link in MyLO or by going directly to the reading lists page on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.