Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Human Molecular Genetics

• Unit Code

  SCH2226

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Lois Ann BALMER

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Description

This unit commences with an analysis of DNA structure, replication and function in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The mapping and sequencing of the human genome is discussed, followed by consideration of penetrance, expressivity, essential genes, lethal alleles, gene silencing, and genomic imprinting. Focus then switches to gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes before the genetics of cancer integrates central human molecular genetic concepts.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from SCH1133

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCH3336

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply linkage analysis logic to human genetic mapping.
2. Compare prokaryote and eukaryote molecular mechanisms of DNA replication.
3. Describe how genomes can be converted to clones and clones to genomes.
4. Describe the major organisation and expression features of the human genome.
5. Distinguish the positional cloning and positional candidate approaches.
6. Explain how genetic mapping in bacteria is achieved by conjugation and transduction.
7. Link human cancer to the breakdown of molecular genetic processes.
8. Organise the molecular events of transcription and translation into a stepwise temporal sequence.

Unit Content

1. The genetic material and DNA Replication.
2. Extensions of Mendelian genetic principles.
3. Mapping and sequencing the human genome: The Human Genome Diversity Panel: Worldwide Human Relationships.
4. Transcription, translation and the regulation of gene expression in bacteria.
5. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.
6. Mapping bacterial genomes.
7. Expression vector cloning of human gene exons.
8. Genetics of cancer.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and laboratory classes, totalling 4 hours per week. Lectures incorporate key questions that are designed to prime students for major concepts, and summaries of major ideas and critical points are presented. In the laboratory, students work in pairs/groups to conduct experiments and critically analyse their findings. Each week, one group of students presents a review of laboratory progress to the rest of the class.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Russell, P. J. (2010). iGenetics: A molecular approach . (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

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