Unit Outlines
| BIOL110 | |
| Biology I 6 credit points | Basic biological concepts and principles are covered, including cell structure and function, metabolism, genes and inheritance, molecular genetics, and evolution. The unit concludes with a study of animal diversity, structure and function. Assessments include a theory examination, theoretical assignment, practical tests for on-campus students, and quizzes for off-campus students. |
| BCHM210/A | |
| Introductory Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I 6 credit points | The information molecules of cells, DNA and RNA, are introduced. The fundamental concept that genetic information codes for protein molecules is examined. DNA replication, transcription and translation into proteins are covered. The structure of proteins and their importance to biological function are introduced, with special attention to the proteins that act as biological catalysts. The central role of respiration to obtain chemical energy to maintain cells is examined with special reference to the oxidation of sugars and carbohydrates. BCHM 210A will cover material in greater depth than BCHM 210, with separate assignments being completed. |
| BCHM320/520 | |
| Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine 6 credit points | The unit includes the basic principles of clinical biochemistry, including the analysis of clinical samples such as blood and urine. Topics covered include: the biochemistry of blood and the immune system, the biochemical basis of inherited disease and cancer, population screening and gene therapy. Molecular methods of disease diagnosis will also be examined. BCHM 520 will cover material in greater depth than BCHM 320 with separate and more challenging assignments being completed. |
| BCHM330/330A/530 | |
| Molecular Biology (DNA Technology) 6 credit points | Lectures cover techniques for the cloning and analysis of genes from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including Northern and Southern blot analysis, DNA sequencing and PCR, microarrays, genetic engineering and practical aspects of gene expression. The use of molecular markers such as RFLPs, microsatellites and RAPDs for genome analysis will be described. A practical workshop will include DNA cloning and analysis and Southern blotting. BCHM 530 is based on the undergraduate unit BCHM 330 with additional load consisting of extra questions on assignments and examinations requiring a greater level of understanding of the unit material is expected. |
| BINF350/550 | |
| Bioinformatics 6 credit points | Bioinformatics is a broad interdisciplinary science that involves conceptual and practical tools for understanding, generation, processing and propagation of biological information. It covers relevant areas of statistics and computer science, biological databases, computational genomics and phylogenetics. The unit is designed for students with appropriate statistics and computing skills. The topics covered include Hidden Markov Models, dynamic programming, biological database operations, sequence search and alignments, gene detection and prediction, computational genomics and proteomics, microarrays and phylogenetic analysis. Besides solid theoretical knowledge students will receive good practical experience in modelling, computing and interpreting information in modern biological databases. |
| EVOL211/411 | |
| Evolution and Biogeography 6 credit points | This unit deals with the fundamental biological processes of evolution within species (microevolution), the evolution of new species and of major groups (macroevolution). These topics provide a framework to understand the distribution of organisms in space and time (ecological and historical biogeography). Case studies will focus on the evolution and origins of Australian animals and plants. The unit will be particularly relevant to students studying biological and environmental science, natural resource management, and archaeology. Assessment will be by practical reports, an essay and an exam. |
| EVOL301/501 | |
| Biological Systematics 6 credit points | This unit, taught by Australian Museum, Botanic Gardens Trust Sydney and UNE staff, develops practical skills relevant to current issues in biological systematics. Topics include analysis of species limits and phylogenetic relationships, character phylogeny, and applications and benefits to science and society of phylogeny reconstruction including conservation prioritisation. |
| GENE210/A | |
| Introductory Genetics 6 credit points | The unit introduces the students to the principles of genetics and provides an understanding of basic concepts in genetics from the molecular level up to the population level. Topics such as structure, function and mutation of DNA, gene expression, transmission of genes, the inheritance of quantitative traits, genetic control of development and genetic structure of populations will be covered in this unit. |
| GENE250 | |
| Genetics and Society 6 credit points | The unit program involves investigating genetic case studies; discussions of various social topics such as genetic counseling and genetically modified organisms; and problem solving exercises to investigate inheritance patterns (Mendelian, non-Mendelian and quantitative) and population studies. It builds on a foundation of biological and genetic principles with a focus on human genetics. It is applicable for students in areas of human bioscience, biology, sociology, psychology and paleoanthropology. |
| GENE251/351 | |
| Applied Animal and Plant Breeding 6 credit points | This applied genetics unit introduces basic concepts of genetic variation and selection, genetic evaluation (EBVs)principles of breeding programs and new technologies used in animal and plant breeding (eg embryo transfer, gene markers, tissue culture). Students will obtain a basic understanding of breeding programs, and the role of new technologies affecting these disciplines. Students in GENE 351 will be introduced to the applications of breeding program and will be able to give advice in simple breeding problems. |
| GENE322 | |
| Evolutionary and Conservation Genetics 6 credit points | This unit provides an understanding of major evolutionary phenomena from a genetic point of view and can be useful for a variety of degrees. It includes major topics of modern evolutionary genetics, like population genetics, molecular evolution, genetics of speciation, the reconstruction of phylogeny. A section is devoted to genetics of small populations, conservation and biodiversity. Computer workshops and laboratory works contribute significantly to comprehension of the genetic basis of evolutionary processes and genetic conservation issues. |
| GENE340/540 | |
| Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology/Advanced 6 credit points | 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. GENE 540 has an additional 2500 word assignment which will include a review of recent scientific literature in the field of genes and development. |
| GENE422/522 | |
| Genetic Evaluation and Breeding Program Design 6 credit points | This course deepens the coverage of procedures to design breeding programs and to evaluate animals genetically. It broadens the coverage of technical aspects of application in the animal breeding industries. Students develop the ability to define breeding objectives, set up a genetic evaluation system, to balance key aspects of animal breeding program design, and to assess the value of new molecular genetic and reproductive technologies. |
| GENE400 | |
| Honours in Genetics 48 credit points | Candidates from this or other universities seeking admission to the honours year should consult the unit coordinator, preferably by about November of the year in which they expect to complete the requirements for the pass degree of BSc (or an equivalent qualification). Honours candidates are expected to start work no later than early February, and to devote their full time to the program of study and research which is individually prescribed for each candidate by the staff member appointed to supervise him/her. GENE 400 consists of: (a) preparation of a thesis incorporating the results of field and/or laboratory research; (b) submission of essays and/or assignments; and (c) formal course work prescribed to suit individual candidates, as required. Candidates from other universities may be permitted to undertake both the third and fourth years of the BSc(Hons) at this University on the recommendation of the Unit Coordinator. |
| Comments: Honours candidature only | |
| GENE500 | |
| Special Reading Unit 6 credit points | This unit is project oriented. One or several aspects of evolution or population/quantitative genetics will be worked out in detail for a particular case. The activities include a literature review and/or analysis of a problem (eg. data analysis, scenario modelling, simulations) and reporting, all under close supervision. This unit is recommended for early postgraduate students to develop skills in scientific methodology and acquire in-depth knowledge of a specific topic. |
| HBIO120 | |
| Human Biology 2 6 credit points | The unit is equivalent to 52 hours of lectures and tutorials. This unit introduces issues in the functioning of the human body. Topics covered in the unit may include introduction to human genetics, introduction to issues in human growth and ageing, immunology, environmental influences on human biology, introduction to issues in human nutrition. The unit will focus on these issues in a social and psychological construct. Concepts introduced in HBIO 110 will be developed for a comprehensive understanding of human biology. Assessment will be by short answer assignment and a final examination. |