650-142 Genetics & The Evolution of Life

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 600-142 (before 2004), 600-132 (before 2004) or 650-132

This is a joint botany, genetics and zoology subject.

Students are expected to enrol in both biology 650-141 (semester 1) and 650-142 (semester 2).

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• understand the basic mechanisms of inheritance, recombination and mutation;

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

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

• understand the evidence for the evolution of life understand and apply the principles of classification;

• understand the diversity of organisms and their relationship to each other and the environment; and

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

Topics studied include the nature of variation, inheritance, genes and chromosomes, human genetics, DNA replication, gene action and expression, population genetics, selection, the genetics of speciation, molecular evolution, evolutionary biology and the origin of life, classification of organisms diversity of life, communities, ecosystems and the relationship of organisms to their environment, human impact, preserving habitats and genetic variation.

Students will develop generic skills in:

• manipulating laboratory equipment, in particular using microscopes and gel electrophoresis;

• the recording of observations and the analysis and interpretation of data;

• the statistical analysis of genetic data; and

• accessing information sources and discerning use of the world wide web.

A 30-minute written class test held mid-semester (10%); work in practical classes during the semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination on theory and practical work in the examination period (70%). A pass in the practical work is necessary to pass the subject.

• RB Knox, PY Ladiges, BK Evans and R Saint, Biology, An Australian Focus. 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill, 2004.