Search | Previous : 600-141 | Next : 606-201
Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Biology

600-142 Genetics and the Evolution of Life

Note:

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption from these experiments is not possible. Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 600-101, 600-002, 600-015 or 600-112. This is a joint Botany/Genetics/Zoology subject.

Credit Points:

12.5

Coordinator:

Dr J R McLean

Prerequisite/s:

VCE Chemistry is recommended. Both 600-141 and 600-142 are required for later studies in biological and preclinical areas.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

39 lectures (three a week), 39 hours of practicals (three hours a week), 10 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

This subject aims to familiarise you with the modern concepts of genetics, evolution, the nature of diversity and the unity of life.

At the completion of this subject you should be:

  • able to understand the basic mechanisms of inheritance, including the relationship between phenotype and genotype, transmission; genetics, recombination and mutation;

  • knowledgeable of DNA structure, replication and the molecular basis of gene action;

  • able to understand the nature of genetic variation in populations, natural selection, microevolution, reproductive isolation and speciation;

  • able to understand the evidence for the evolution of life including molecular, fossil and phylogenetic data;

  • able to understand and apply the principles of classification; aware of the diversity of organisms and their relationship to each other and the environment;

  • aware of the concepts of population ecology, community structure and ecosystem.

Content:

The nature of variation, inheritance, genes and chromosomes, human genetics, DNA replication, gene action and expression, population genetics, natural selection, the genetics of speciation, molecular evolution, evolutionary biology and the origin of life, classification of organisms into 5 kingdoms (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia), diversity of life, communities, ecosystems and the relationship of organisms to their environment, human impact, preserving habitats and genetic variation.

Assessment:

A 3-hour written examination on theory and practical work (80%); work in practical classes (20%). A pass in the practical work is necessary to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts:

  • R B Knox, P Y Ladiges and B K Evans, Biology, 1994, McGraw-Hill.
Search | Previous : 600-141 | Next : 606-201
Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Biology 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
SGML to HTML Conversion:  Information Technology Services
Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.