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Genetics and Evolution unit (KPZ215)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

Genetics & Evolution is a core second year unit for BSc students majoring in Plant Science and important for any student studying Biological Sciences, such as Ecology or Zoology. With a strong focus on practical skills, this unit provides the foundation to apply genetic concepts to careers in industry (ecology, conservation or breeding) or research in ecology, evolution and genetics. It starts by appreciating the diversity of forms in animals and plants, and then delves into the genetic process that underlie the origin of such diversity. You will integrate classical and molecular concepts to understand genetic variation, focussing on the genetic inheritance of traits, evolutionary processes, domestication and biotechnology. The practicals include genetic experiments, techniques to study chromosome number, artificial crossing, genetic modification, and extracting DNA and interpreting sequences to identify evolutionary relationships among diverse taxa.

Summary

Unit name Genetics and Evolution
Unit code KPZ215
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Biological Sciences
Coordinator Doctor Greg Walter
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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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 20/7/2025 18/8/2025 7/9/2025 25/10/2025

* 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 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply the principles of classical and population genetics to explain evolution and breeding in animal and plant models
  • Describe the structure of DNA and chromosomes, and explain how variation in genomes, genes and gene expression can be used to tackle applied and evolutionary questions.
  • Extract and analyze DNA using a number of basic techniques.
  • Apply cladistic analysis to describe evolutionary relationships.
  • Communicate genetics and evolution information in ways relevant to professional scientists.

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
010903 $1,164.00 $1,164.00 not applicable $3,405.00
  • 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

KPZ164 Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KPA215

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Weekly tutorial followed by three-hour practical sessions; Weekly online modules supported by quizzes 

AssessmentAssessment Task 1: Genetic Analysis report (15%)|Assessment Task 3: Weekly quizzes (1-12) and pre-lab quizzes (6-8) (15%)|Assessment task 2: Mid-semester exam (15%)|Assessment Task 5: Final examination (25%)|Assessment Task 4: Practical class reports (30%)
TimetableView 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.

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