Area: | School of Biomedical Science |
Credits: | 25.0 |
Contact Hours: | 4.0 |
Lecture: | 1 x 2 Hours Weekly |
Laboratory: | 1 x 2 Hours Weekly |
Prerequisite(s): | 10076 (v.2) Molecular Biology 231 or any previous version
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Syllabus: | DNA profiling, blood, plant and animal typing. Genes in populations and evolution. Population genetics in Mendelian populations. Hardy Weinberg Rule - sex linkage and Wright's F statistics - random genetic drift. Linkage disequilibrium. Genetic processes in evolution. Selection fitness. Mutation, neutral theory. Introductory molecular aspects of evolution. Applications emphasising immunogenetics, hypervariable genetic markers, multigene families and DNA profiling. Describes how gene frequencies change over time within and between finite sized populations, and addresses the causes of evolution, namely selection, mutation and genetic drift. A molecular perspective is used where appropriate. Although population genetics is amenable to mathematical analysis, this unit focuses more on concepts and models rather than on detailed mathematical analysis. The flow of genes between populations in conjunction with analysis of DNA and proteins sequences is a rapidly advancing field of science with many important applications. |
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Unit Outcomes: | On successful completion of this unit students will have - Developed a knowledge of the historical perspective and basic tenets of the Darwin-Wallace theory of evolution by natural selection. Understood the molecular basis of polymorphism and mutation. Understood the relationship between allele and genotypic frequencies in randomly mating populations. Understood factors causing changes in gene frequency in populations. Contrasted and compared the classical, balanced and neutral theories of selection and comprehend evidence for selection. Familiarised some applications of population and evolutionary genetics including human identification and its contemporary applications. |
Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases. |
Unit References: | Gillespie, J.H. and Johns Hopkins, J. (1998). Population Genetics - A Concise Guide, Baltimore, University Press Baltimore. Russell, P.J., Genetics. 4th, 5th or 6th Eds., Chapter 21. Dawkins, R. (1995). River Out of Eden - A Darwinian View of Life. Basic Books. |
Unit Texts: | Wetherall, J.D. (2002). Genetics 232 Manual - Genes in Populations and Molecular Evolution. Hartl, D.L., A Primer of Population Genetics, 3rd ed., Sunderland, Massachusetts, Sinauer Associates Inc. Australian Agent - Nelson Australia PL [www.nelsonitp.com]. |
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Unit Assessment Breakdown: | Assignments 50%, Examination 50%. This is by grade/mark assessment. |
Field of Education: | 60100 Medical Studies (Narrow Grouping) | HECS Band (if applicable): | 3 |
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Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information: | Supplemental | Result Type: | Grade/Mark |
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Availability
| Year | Location | Period | Internal | Area External | Central External | | 2004 | Bentley Campus | Semester 2 | Y | | |
Area
External | refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research. |
Central
External | refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area |
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