652-205 Genes and Genomes

Note:

• Special requirements: Laboratory coat. Students must call into the Mendel Laboratory (Ground Floor, Genetics Department) in the last week of Semester 1 to be assigned to a laboratory group.

• Credit cannot be granted for both 652-205 and 652-215, 652-201 or 652-202.

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

Prerequisite/s:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

By the end of the subject students should:

Comprehend:

• the molecular basis of gene structure and expression and the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes;

• replication, recombination and mutagenesis;

• the organisation and structure of genomes in a variety of organisms and the nature of molecular evolution.

Develop:

• a basic knowledge of gene structure and expression;

• the skills to solve problems and analyse data using a genetic approach;

• an understanding of the application of genetic principles and experimental strategies;

• competence in experimental methods used in genetic analysis;

• experience in writing scientific reports.

Appreciate:

• the experiments underlying the fundamental principles of the maintenance and expression of genetic information;

• the molecular nature of change and variation in genes and genomes;

• the contribution of molecular genetic analysis to understanding biological problems.

Content:

The molecular basis of gene expression and its regulation. Replication, recombination and mutagenesis. Gene isolation and analysis. Genome organisation. Molecular evolution. Techniques used in genetic, cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis of microorganisms and higher organisms.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Griffiths AJF, Miller JH, Gelbart WM, Lewontin RC, Suzuki DT, An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 6th ed.