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    Overview

    Eukaryote genomes and genome evolution; phylogenetics; cytogenetics and chromosomes; extensions of Mendelian genetics; genetic mapping in eukaryotes; genes in populations; quantitative genetics.

    GENE 222 gives a broad coverage of all of the concepts that are central to modern eukaryote genetics including human genetics. As such it is directly relevant for students with an interest in any of the biological or biomedical sciences. The different parts of the paper are linked by a common theme of genetic analysis and the use of specific examples to illustrate general principles. The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course that gives hands-on experience of many of the methods that are used in genetic analysis of eukaryotes.

    About this paper

    Paper title Genes, Chromosomes and Populations
    Subject Genetics
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    CELS 191 and 90 further points
    Recommended Preparation
    GENE 221 and BIOC 221
    Schedule C
    Science
    Eligibility
    Appropriate for students majoring in genetics, other biological and health sciences and molecular biotechnology.
    Contact

    genetics@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Convenor: Dr Gillian MacKay (Genetics Programme)
    Other teaching staff: Professor Jon Waters (Department of Zoology)
    Associate Professor Janice Lord (Department of Botany)
    Associate Professor Louise Bicknell (Department of Biochemistry)
    Dr Martyn Kennedy (Department of Zoology)
    Associate Professor Phil Wilcox (Department of Maths and Statistics)

    Paper Structure

    The lecture course is divided into seven blocks:

    • Eukaryote genomes and genome evolution
    • Phylogenetics
    • Cytogenetics and chromosomes
    • Extensions of Mendelian genetics
    • Genetic mapping in eukaryotes
    • Genes in populations
    • Quantitative genetics

    An additional lecture outlines Māori concepts of inheritance.

    The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course, which provides training in data analysis and relevant genetic methods, including Mendelian genetics and linkage, cytogenetics, working with Drosophila, genomics, population genetics and quantitative genetics.

    Teaching Arrangements

    There are six weeks of laboratory classes, in three 2-week blocks, and students are assigned to one of four lab streams.

    Textbooks

    The recommended text book for GENE 222 is: Introduction to Genetic Analysis (Griffiths, Doebley, Peichel and Wassarman), 12th edition. Earlier editions of this book are also satisfactory if you have access to a copy.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will understand:

    • Genomic variation within and between species
    • How to construct and interpret phylogenetic trees
    • The origins and diagnostic features of karyotypic variation
    • The extensions of Mendelian genetics
    • How to test alternative genetic hypotheses
    • How to identify and map monogenic and complex disease genes
    • How evolution is explained by principles of variation, heredity and selection
    • Quantitative traits and the norm of reaction
    • Heritability, QTLs and their uses

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 09:00-09:50 29-35
    AND
    B1 Tuesday 13:00-13:50 29-35, 37-42
    AND
    C1 Wednesday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Friday 14:00-15:50 31-32, 35, 37, 40-41
    Friday 16:00-18:50 32, 37
    A2 Friday 14:00-15:50 32, 37
    Friday 16:00-18:50 31-32, 35, 37, 40-41
    A3 Monday 14:00-15:50 32-33, 37-38, 41-42
    Monday 16:00-18:50 33, 38
    A4 Monday 14:00-15:50 33, 38
    Monday 16:00-18:50 32-33, 37-38, 41-42
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