Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301144

Coordinator Mark Williams Opens in new window

Description The subject is designed to introduce genetics so that even if you haven't studied it before you will develop an understanding that will inform your practice in work. The context of this subject is forensic science but rather than jump straight into forensic DNA analysis this is a foundation subject, designed to give a framework of human molecular genetics. We will also look at some of the important issues in genetics including genome mapping and the role of gene dysfunction in disease. The first module is an overview and it is very important that you use the assignment time to check out some websites that will be very useful later on. This subject is taught by the University of Florida as part of a collaborative venture between the University of Florida and Western Sydney University. Note: Further information on this subject is available from the University of Florida.

School Science

Discipline Forensic Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 3741 Master of Forensic Science, 3742 Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science or 3743 Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Understand the basic structure of genes and chromosomes
2. Understand the basic principles of inheritance
3. Understand genotype and phenotype
4. Understand the rationale behind the human genome sequencing project
5. Understand how genes work and what happens when they don�ft
6. Understand polymorphism and its value in defining uniqueness
7. Understand the underlying principles behind DNA profiling
8. Explore the role of genes in diseases, including cancer

Subject Content

Module 1 Introduction to Forensic Genetics
Module 2 The Basic Principles of Inheritance
Module 3 Linkage and Crossing Over
Module 4 The Molecular Structure of Chromosomes and DNA Replication
Module 5 Making Genes Work
Module 6 The Human Genome Project
Module 7 Human Population Genetics
Module 8 DNA Profiling and Forensic Investigation
Module 9 Interpretation and Applications of Forensic DNA Analysis
Module 10 Mutation and DNA Repair
Module 11 Genes in Cancer
Module 12 Genetic Disorders