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GENE340 Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology

Updated: 25 March 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
13 September 2010 16 September 2010 Mandatory mandatory workshop for on-campus students
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites BCHM330 or BCHM330A and GENE210 or GENE210A or candidature in a postgraduate award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science or School of Science and Technology
Co-requisites None
Restrictions GENE340A or GENE540
Notes None
Combined Units GENE540 - Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology
Coordinator(s) Ian Cassady (acassady@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit will examine the molecular techniques used to study the regulation of gene expression and the problem of how the development of an animal from fertilised egg to mature organism is controlled by genes. Topics will include genetics of body plan development in animals, methods used to manipulate genes and introduce them into plant and animal cells, and regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Laboratory sessions will provide an introduction to PCR, DNA sequencing, computer programs used to analyse DNA sequences, and screening a gene library. GENE540 has an additional 2500 word assignment which will include a review of recent scientific literature in the field of genes and development.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

An Introduction to Genetic Analysis
ISBN: 9780716768876
Griffiths, A.J.F. and others, WH Freeman 9th ed. 2008
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Molecular Biology: Understanding the Genetic Revolution
ISBN: 9780121755515
Clark, D.P., Elsevier 2005
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 15% approx. 1500
Assessment Notes
Journal article (6 pages)
Report 12.5%
Assessment Notes
Practical report - 4 pages
Report 2 12.5%
Assessment Notes
Practical report - 4 pages
Unit Test 20%
Final Examination 2 hrs 40%

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. understand the use of molecular techniques for analysing gene function and expression including gene transfer, in vitro mutagenesis, reporter genes, gene fusions, and DNA footprinting;
  2. carry out routine molecular genetic techniques such as DNA sequencing, PCR and screening a gene library (under supervision);
  3. understand the various mechanisms by which gene activity can be regulated including transcription factors, chromatin structure, imprinting, RNA editing, RNA stability, translational control, and DNA rearrangements;
  4. appreciate how molecular and genetic methods are used in combination to determine how genes regulate developmental processes;
  5. analyse and interpret the results of molecular genetic experiments used to study gene regulation and development, as presented in scientific journal articles.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will study the molecular genetic techniques used to investigate the regulation of gene expression and the problem of how the development of an animal from fertilised egg to mature organism is controlled by genes. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will practice written communication skills by writing practical reports and an assignment. Students will practice oral communication skills in a workshop on presentation of results from scientific journal articles. 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Students will learn to use computer software to analyse DNA and protein sequence and they will use the Australian Genome Information Service (WebANGIS) to search an international database of DNA sequences (GenBank). ANGIS also provides information retrieval through Medline so that information about all the sequences in DNA databases is linked to each database. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
The students will learn how to read scientific articles through a workshop at the residential school and an assignment which will require that students answer a structured set of questions designed to teach the students how to approach the reading of a scientific article. 		True True True
6 Problem Solving
The whole focus of the course is based on developing the skills to interpret the results of scientific experiment and applying their knowledge to solving scientific problems. As this is the main aim of the unit, the exams will be open-book. 		True True True
8 Team Work
In the practical sessions, students will work in teams. 		True
   

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