Overview

This unit is designed to provide students with the broad concepts and knowledge associated with genes and genomics. The unit will span from basic gene regulation and expression at the cellular level through to the analysis of human genomic profiles. Students will gain an understanding for how our genes can control the developmental process, health and also result in disease, with a focus being placed on genomics in health and disease. Topics to be covered include chromosomes, genetic sequencing, bioinformatics, epigenetics and emergent DNA technology for altering genes such as CRISPR.

Requisites

Prerequisites
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology

Rules

BIO10004 AND 100 Credit Points

OR

Admission into MN-ADVBSNT Advanced Minor in Biosciences for Nutrition

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-March-2026
31-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
15-March-2026
Census date
31-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
21-April-2026
Results released date
07-July-2026

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Outline the location of genes in the cell and the control of gene regulation
  2. Explain how gene expression results in the development of an organism and also relationships to health and disease
  3. Determine and explain the role of genetic mechanisms in inheritance, human health and disease
  4. Interpret and analyse biological problems in terms of genetics and to apply bioinformatics tools to investigate disease analysis and outcomes
  5. Discuss the statistical implications of genetic and genomics research with a focus on human health and disease
  6. Communicate genetic concepts and interpretation of genomic data clearly with an understanding of the ethical issues associated with genetic knowledge

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

ctivity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week
Online Lecture 12 12 weeks 1
On-campus Class 12 12 weeks 1
Specified Activities Various 36 6 weeks 6
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 82 12 weeks 6.83
On-campus Lab 8 4 weeks 2
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 16.83

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Assignment Group 30% 3,4,5,6 
Assignment Individual 30%  1,2,3,4,5,6 
Final-Semester Test Individual  40%  1,2,3,4,5 

Content

  • The unit will cover the basic principles of genes and inheritance including: Mendelian genetics, pedigree analysis, chromosomal structure, DNA regulation, mutation and DNA repair, mitosis
  • Core techniques for the measuring and interpreting our genes including: genome sequencing and bioinformatics
  • Analysis of genomes for understanding different disease states caused through inheritance
  • Personalised medicine and the role of genomic information in our health-care system
  • Emergent areas for controlling genes including both natural and engineered techniques such as: epigenetics and CRISPR DNA editing

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.