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GENE322 Population and Conservation Genetics

Updated: 10 November 2011
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
18 April 2012 21 April 2012 Mandatory On and off campus students must attend the intensive school.
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites GENE210 or GENE210A or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s)
Unit Description

This unit provides an understanding of population genetics concepts and the mechanisms that underly genetic and phenotypic variation. These concepts are then illustrated and applied to conservation of endangered species of animals and plants. The unit is directly relevant to students interested in conservation genetics and management of endangered species; but it is also highly relevant to students interested in understanding evolution from a genetics perspective and in the use of the latest genomic technologies to study genetic variability from a population level (human, livestock or wild populations). Computer simulations, lab work and analysis of real data sets provide a hands-on approach to understand the dynamics of populations.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Introduction to Conservation Genetics
ISBN: 9780521702713
Frankham, R., Ballov, J. and Briscoe, D., Cambridge University Press 2nd ed. 2010
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Recommended Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Principles of Population Genetics
ISBN: 9780878933082
Hartl, D. and Clark, A., Sinaver Associates 4th ed. 2007
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , 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 20% 2000
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 3-5 GA: 1, 2, 4
Report 20% 1500
Assessment Notes
Practical Reports
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 3-5 GA: 1, 2, 4
Workshop 10%
Assessment Notes
Open discussion
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2-4 GA: 1, 2, 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50%
Assessment Notes
Exams
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2 ,6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. apply population and conservation genetics principles to the preservation of endangered species;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the genetic processes that occur in populations;
  3. understand the new genomic technologies and their impact on population studies;
  4. understand the evolutionary theory from a genetics perspective; and
  5. develop essay writing skills.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students are taught and practice the fundamental aspects of population and conservation genetics and learn the basic skills for making practical decisions in conservation programs. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Students orally discuss in a guided group workshop several topics related to population and conservation genetics. An essay targets scientific writing. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
The unit deals with population structures and conservation issues. Examples and issues from different parts of the world are discussed. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are taught to search for relevant material from various sources including the internet, journals and books. A variety of sources are required to complete some assessment projects. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Learning to use computer-based technologies, critical thinking and problem solving skills are transferable to all aspects of life. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Various methods of approaching and solving problems related to a variety of genetic situations are taught and students need to demonstrate their ability to complete these tasks as well as expand their skills into related and new areas. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Consideration of endangered and at risk populations are paramount to this unit. 		True True
8 Team Work
Facilitated through Blackboard discussions, through discussions at intensive school sessions and shared practical situations. 		True
   

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