Overview | Honours | Summary of Courses

Offered By:	ANU Joint Colleges of Science
Academic Contact:	Dr Susan Howitt and Dr Dave Rowell
Areas of Interest:	Biology and Genetics

Description:

Genetics is the science of heredity, including: the structure, expression and regulation of genes, the genetic basis of traits, and the interaction between genes and the environment at the population and species level which underpin the evolutionary process.  The growing availability of completely sequenced genomes, computational analysis and molecular analytic tools has revolutionised genetics, leading to discoveries in areas as diverse as medicine, agriculture, conservation biology and biotechnology. The genetics minor will provide you with a sound basis in the principles of genetics at all levels from molecular to cellular to organismal to populations.  You will also learn about the tools of genetics, both experimental and statistical, and how to apply these to different genetic problems, from the level of cellular function through to the reconstruction of evolutionary patterns. The minor includes an opportunity to specialise in human, molecular or population genetics. The genetics minor will place students in an excellent position to pursue higher studies in medical, ecological and evolutionary biology. Familiarity with genetic principles and techniques is also an asset in careers as diverse as Law, Medical Science, Agriculture and Environmental Management.

Learning Goals:

Students completing the minor in Genetics will be able to:

1. Explain the nature of genetic variation, and the factors that influence gene flow, evolutionary change and the genetic structure of populations.
2. Explain the molecular basis for inheritance and the way in which genetic information is expressed in cells.
3. Use experimental and quantitative methods to identify, quantify and statistically analyse genetic variation within populations, and apply these strategies to evolutionary, forensic and medical problems.
4. Apply genetic reasoning to different experimental problems and communicate the results obtained.
5. Discuss the impact of modern genetics on the way our society deals with medical problems.
6. Identify the ethical issues raised by the use of genetic techniques in medicine and in our society more generally.

Requirements

This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:

A total of 12 units from the following compulsory courses:

BIOL2151  Principles of Genetics

BIOL2161  Genes: Replication and Expression

A total of 12 units to be chosen from the following courses including a minimum of 6 units of 3000 level courses:

BIAN2115  Race and Human Genetic Variation

BIOL2162  Molecular Genetic Techniques

BIOL3161  Genomics and its Applications

BIOL3204  Human Genetics

BIOL3206  Evolution of Biodiversity

BIOL3208  Biology Research Project

Advice to Students:

What 1st year courses should you enrol in?  BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201

Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this Genetics minor.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.