Key facts

UNE unit code: GENE210

*You are viewing the 2024 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

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Genetics is a rapidly evolving field with diverse practical implications. From agriculture and livestock production, to medicine and the emerging field of personalised healthcare, genetics presents us with exciting opportunities for innovation and discovery.

This unit provides you with an introduction to the principles of genetics. From the molecular level up to the population level, you will learn about basic concepts in genetics.

Delving into structure, the function and mutation of DNA, gene expression, transmission of genes, and genetic control of development, you will be equipped to understand problems involving genetic linkage, gene interactions and inheritance of quantitative traits.

Building your knowledge of the ways in which DNA changes and is inherited, you will also explore the genetic structure of populations, and factors that lead to the evolution of populations over time.

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
BIOL110 or BIOL110A or PSIO120; or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
GENE210A or GENE410
Combined units

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Anna-Marie Babey
Anna-Marie BabeySenior Lecturer in Pharmacy - School of Rural Medicine

Learning outcomes

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

  1. analyse specific information in order to solve problems that involve the effect of gene interactions, linkage, variations on dominance, cytoplasmic inheritance and sex-linkage on the inheritance of traits;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the three steps in the expression of eukaryotic genes (transcription, RNA processing and translation) and describe one mechanism by which gene expression can be regulated;
  3. demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of ways in which gene expression can be regulated;
  4. explain the different types of mutations, their causes and mechanisms for repairing mutations;
  5. describe the factors that can lead to changes in the allele frequencies in a population; and
  6. define quantitative traits and explain how quantitative traits can be improved through selection (breeding) programs.

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
Assessment 1Yes15%All offerings

Mid Term Quiz. Students must successfully complete this assessment in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 500

Assessment 2Yes15%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 1500

Assessment 3Yes20%All offerings

Problem sets. 

No. Words: 500

Final ExaminationYes50%All offerings

Students must pass the final exam in order to pass the unit.

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.

Vpack: Essentials of Genetics

ISBN: 9780655797227

Klug, W.S. and Cummings, M.R., Pearson 10th ed. 2020

Text refers to: All offerings

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au

I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.

Claire Haiek, graduate, Pathways Enabling Course (photo: kidspot.com.au)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.