Mutations; genetic analysis in bacteria; mobile genetic elements; genetic analysis of regulatory circuits; DNA cloning and sequencing in genetic analysis; comparative microbial genomics; genetics and evolution of viruses of eukaryotes.
GENE221 provides foundation material on molecular and microbial genetics. Topics include mutation, gene transfer and genetic analysis in bacteria, DNA cloning, comparative genomics, phenotype-genotype associations in microbial genomes. Discoveries and methodologies in microbial genetics underlie all aspects of modern biology, and therefore, this paper is directly relevant for students with an interest in any of the biological sciences. The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course that includes four experiments that together give hands-on experience of many of the genetic principles that are discussed in the lectures. The four laboratory topics are mutations, conjugation, transposons and cloning.
| Paper title | Molecular and Microbial Genetics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GENE221 |
| Subject | Genetics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- CELS 191 and CHEM 191 and 36 further points
- Restriction
- GENE 211
- Recommended Preparation or Concurrent Study
- BIOC 221
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- Essential for students majoring in genetics or microbiology and appropriate for students majoring in biochemistry, molecular biotechnology and all other biological sciences.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information about Genetics on the Genetics programme's website
- Teaching staff
Co-Convenors:
Professor Peter Fineran (Department of Microbiology & Immunology)
Dr Gillian MacKay (Genetics Teaching Programme).
Other teaching staff:
Professor Iain Lamont (Department of Biochemistry)
Dr Jemma Geoghegan (Department of Microbiology & Immunology)
Associate Professor Paul Gardner (Department of Biochemistry)
- Paper Structure
The lecture course is divided into 6 modules:
- Mutations - the basis of genetics
- Gene transfer and genetic analysis in bacteria
- Genetic analysis of regulatory circuits
- DNA cloning as a tool for genetic analysis
- Comparative microbial genomics and evolution
- Natural selection and phenotype-genotype associations in microbial genomes
The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course, which provides training in relevant genetic methods and data analysis, including mutagen detection using the Ames test, gene mapping by conjugation, transposon mutagenesis and DNA cloning using a plasmid vector.
- Teaching Arrangements
There are six weeks of laboratory classes, one every second week, and students are assigned to one of four lab streams (Monday, Thursday and Friday afternoons; first lab on the first Thursday of semester).
- Textbooks
The recommended text book for GENE221 is:
Introduction to Genetic Analysis (Griffiths, Wessler, Carroll, Doebley), 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, Critical thinking,
Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper should gain understanding of:
- The molecular basis and significance of mutation.
- Classical genetics of bacteria.
- The genetic approaches used in analysing gene regulation in bacteria.
- DNA cloning as a tool for genetic analysis.
- Comparative microbial genomics and evolution.
- Natural selection and phenotype-genotype associations in microbial genomes.
