Genetics and Evolution unit (KPZ215)

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

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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

• 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	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• 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
Assessment	Assessment Task 1: Genetic Analysis report (15%)|Assessment Task 3: Weekly quizzes (1-12) and pre-lab quizzes (7-9) (15%)|Assessment task 2: Mid-semester exam (15%)|Assessment Task 5: Final examination (25%)|Assessment Task 4: Practical class reports (30%)
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.

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