650-132 Biomed: Genetics & Biodiversity

This subject is only available to Bachelor of Biomedical Science students and Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) students.

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

This is a joint botany, genetics and zoology subject.

Students are expected to enrol in both 600-131 and 600-132.

Topics include the genetic consequences of meiosis; inheritance; chromosomes, genes/alleles, dominance relationships, autosomal/sex-linked inheritance; one locus, blood groups, pedigree analysis, examples of human genetic disease; more than one locus, gene interaction, linkage, multifactorial/quantitative inheritance, heritability; DNA structure and function, replication, protein synthesis, mutation; genes and development; tools used for molecular genetic analysis: restriction enzymes, PCR, gel electrophoresis, aims of the Human Genome Project; recombinant DNA technology; genes in populations; human diversity, polymorphisms, selection, the theory of evolution; generation of species; biodiversity and genetic resources; model systems for biomedical research; Monera: beneficial and harmful bacteria; viruses and infectious molecules; fungal pathogens and the role of fungi in medicine; Protista: including parasitology; plants: phytochemistry, natural products chemistry, allergens and toxic plants; animals: including invertebrate parasitology, and their role as vectors of disease; evolution of chordates and vertebrates; and evolution of primates and humans.

Students will develop generic skills in:

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

• the statistical analysis of genetic data;

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

• basic microbial techniques; and

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

A multiple choice test taking approximately 35 minutes held mid-semester (10%); work in practical classes during the semester, made up of written work not exceeding 1500 words, assessment of practical skills within the practical class, and no more than 4 short multiple choice tests (total 25%); a 3-hour written examination on theory and practical work in the examination period (65%). A pass in the practical work is necessary to pass the subject.

• W K Purves, G H Orians, H C Heller and D Sadava, Life. 7th edn, Sinaver/Freeman, 2004.