GENETICS 3111 - Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025

The DNA molecules that comprise the informational basis of inheritance in living organisms are collectively referred to as the genome. In this course the organisation, origin and mechanisms of change of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes are explored using cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses. Topics include - structure and function of genomes and chromosomes; chromosomes in disease; the roles of natural selection and chance as drivers of molecular evolution.

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Course Details

Course Code	GENETICS 3111
Course	Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution III
Coordinating Unit	Molec & Biomedical Science
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	Up to 19 hours per fortnight
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	GENETICS 2510 and GENETICS 2520; or equivalent
Incompatible	GENETICS 3110
Assessment	Exam, practical component, written reports

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Frank Grutzner

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Knowledge at an advanced level of: the origin, structure, function and evolution of genomes and chromosomes; molecular phylogenetics; and the roles of chance, mutation and natural selection in evolution at the molecular genetic level
2	The ability to interpret the primary scientific literature in cytogenetics and evolutionary genetics.
3	Application and integration of knowledge specified in 1 through microscopy techniques and computational methods

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1, 2, 3
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1, 2, 3
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	1, 3
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1, 2, 3
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	1, 3

Learning Resources
Required Resources
This course will require the following texts and other resources:
1. Copies of scientific papers (supplied by the lecturers)
2. Practical manuals (supplied by lecturers)
3. Practical Laboratories and computer suites
4. Scientific equipment
5. Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms
6. Access to 最新糖心Vlog Library
7. Access to computers and internet
8. Students must supply laboratory coat and safety glasses for their own use
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Every week, there will be 3 lectures supported by 1 tutorial that developes material covered in lectures and one or two practicals that also develop material covered in lectures.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

Learning Activities Summary

Lectures

Chromosome Structure and Evolution

1. Chromosome analysis and molecular cytology
2. Centromeres and telomeres
3. Metaphase chromosome structure
4. Interphase nucleus
5. Chromosome segregation (mitosis)
6. Meiosis
7. Histone code
8. DNA methylation and epigenetic reprogramming
9. Genomic imprinting
10. Chromosome evolution
11. Sex chromosome evolution and organisation
12. Comparative genomics
13. Citizen science
14. Evolutionary medicine

Evolutionary Genetics

1. Evolution of Sex
2. Evolution of Sexes
3. Kin Selection
4. Evolution of Genomic Imprinting
5. Evolution of Multicellularity
6. Evolution of Senescence

Tutorials and Practicals are coordinated with lectures.

The 最新糖心Vlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Hurdle Yes or No	Learning Outcome	Approximate timing of assessment (week of teaching period)
Quiz 1 (theory exam)	Summative	25%	No	1, 2	Mid Semester Break (first week)
Quiz 2	Summative	12.5%	No	1, 2	Week 9
Quiz 3	Summative	12.5%	No	1,2	Week 12
Practical reports	Formative & Summative	50%	No	1,2, 3	Weeks 1-12

Assessment Detail

Quizzes (total of 50%)

Students will complete 2 online quizzes (worth 12.5% each) and 1 online theory exam quiz (worth 25%). Quizzes will be online and consist of multiple choice, true/false, numerical and short/long answer questions.

Practical Reports (total of 50%)

Practical reports will be assigned throughout the semester (Weeks 1-12) depending on the practical schedule.

Submission

Late submission of assessments

If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The 最新糖心Vlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the 最新糖心Vlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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