Key facts

UNE unit code: GENE322

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Are you interested in understanding evolution from a genetics perspective? This unit provides you with invaluable insights into how genetics affects populations and biodiversity.

You will explore the concepts of population genetics and the mechanisms underpinning genetic and phenotypic variation, both within and between populations.

Computer simulations and analytical exercises provide you with a hands-on approach to understand the dynamics of populations, extending your problem-solving and critical thinking ability.

You will have opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge of the latest genomic technologies, examining population-level genetic variability in a range of contexts, including livestock, plant and wild populations, giving you a better understanding of conservation strategies and biodiversity.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
GENE210 or GENE210A or EVOL211 or candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

On-campus enrolments will have face-to-face tutorials organised via the unit coordinator on commencement of the trimester therefore will not be displayed via central timetabling.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Julius Van Der Werf
Julius Van Der WerfProfessor in Animal Genetics - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. apply principles of population genetics to understand population structures and by doing so demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject;
  2. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the genetic processes that occur in populations;
  3. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the new genomic technologies and their impact on population studies;
  4. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical/technical knowledge of the evolutionary theory from a genetics perspective; and
  5. develop essay writing skills and by doing so demonstrate the ability to communicate information to others using written and verbal forms.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Final Examination - Assurance Task, Oral Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.

Oral Examination - Assurance TaskYes10%All offerings

The oral examination will be offered face-to-face or online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. 

Duration: approximately 12-15 minutes.

To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Final Examination - Assurance Task, Oral Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.

Problem Set 1Yes10%All offerings 
Problem Set 2Yes10%All offerings 
Project ReportYes20%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Population Genetics

ISBN: 9781118436899

Hamiliton, M.B, John Wiley & Sons Inc 2nd 2021

Note: eBook

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Principles of Population Genetics

ISBN: 9780878933082

Hartl, D. and Clark, A., Sinauer Associates 4th ed. 2007

Text refers to: All offerings

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