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Overview

Developmental genetics of bacteria, yeast, animals and plants; mutant screens to investigate gene function; applications of genetically engineered plants and animals in biotechnology; safety and regulation of GE organisms.

GENE223 provides an overview of how genes influence the development of life — from microbes to plants and animals, including humans. Development specifies the morphology of these organisms and this paper uses examples to show how genes shape form and function. The paper covers how genetic engineering and genome editing are used to understand development and how genetics can be used in a broad range of biotechnology applications, including medicine and food production. The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course that gives hands-on experience with methods that are used in developmental genetics and biotechnology.

About this paper

Paper title Developmental and Applied Genetics
Subject Genetics
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
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
The paper is appropriate for students majoring in biological sciences (including Genetics, Zoology, Botany), applied sciences or biomedical sciences.
Contact

genetics@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convenor: Associate Professor Tina Summerfield

Other teaching staff:

Associate Professor Htin Lin Aung

Dr Karen Knapp

Associate Professor Caroline Beck

Professor Stephanie Hughes

Associate Professor Lynette Brownfield

Professor Peter Dearden

Dr Gillian MacKay

Professor Phil Wilcox

Paper Structure

The lecture course is divided into four topics:

  • Bacterial model systems (3 lectures)
  • Animal development (10 lectures)
  • Plant development (4 lectures)
  • Biotechnology (12 lectures)

The practical sessions of the course will provide the opportunity to experience some of the methods used in developmental genetics and biotechnology and to learn skills required for the interpretation of results. This includes genetic analysis of yeast, embryonic development in animals and plants (including chemical manipulation of zebrafish development), using methods for detecting genetically modified organisms and discussion of the ethical, economic and environmental issues around the use of genetic engineering.

Teaching Arrangements
There are six weeks of laboratory classes, in three 2-week blocks. Students are assigned to one of two lab streams.
Textbooks

Recommended:
Introduction to Genetic Analysis, Griffiths, 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, Environmental literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will understand:

  • The complexity of developmental genetics in bacterial model systems
  • The use of yeast as a simple model of eukaryote development
  • The diversity of animal models for development; signalling in animal development
  • Sex determination as a developmental cascade
  • Genetic screens as tools to build genetic pathways
  • Production and use of transgenic plants to understand development
  • Genetic control of flowering
  • The use of genetically engineered organisms to produce medicines and other high value products
  • The extent of biotechnology applications of genome editing and genetic engineering 
  • The production of transgenic organisms, including foods, and the associated health, safety and regulatory issues
  • Biotechnology applications for human health

Overview

Developmental genetics of bacteria, yeast, animals and plants; mutant screens to investigate gene function; applications of genetically engineered plants and animals in biotechnology; safety and regulation of GE organisms.

GENE 223 provides an overview of how genes influence the development of life - from microbes to plants and animals, including humans. Development specifies the morphology of these organisms, and this paper uses examples to show how genes shape form and function. The paper covers how genetic engineering and genome editing are used to understand development and how genetics can be used in a broad range of biotechnology applications, including medicine and food production. The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course that gives hands-on experience with methods that are used in developmental genetics and biotechnology.

About this paper

Paper title Developmental and Applied Genetics
Subject Genetics
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
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
The paper is appropriate for students majoring in biological sciences (including Genetics, Zoology, Botany), applied sciences or biomedical sciences.
Contact

genetics@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convener: Associate Professor Tina Summerfield

Other teaching staff:

Associate Professor Htin Lin Aung

Dr Karen Knapp

Associate Professor Caroline Beck

Professor Stephanie Hughes

Associate Professor Lynette Brownfield

Professor Peter Dearden

Dr Gillian MacKay

Professor Phil Wilcox

Paper Structure

The lecture course is divided into four topics:

  • Bacterial model systems (3 lectures)
  • Animal development (10 lectures)
  • Plant development (4 lectures)
  • Biotechnology (12 lectures)

The practical sessions of the course will provide the opportunity to experience some of the methods used in developmental genetics and biotechnology and to learn skills required for the interpretation of results. This includes genetic analysis of yeast, embryonic development in animals and plants (including chemical manipulation of zebrafish development), using methods for detecting genetically modified organisms and discussion of the ethical, economic and environmental issues around the use of genetic engineering.

Teaching Arrangements
There are six weeks of laboratory classes, in three 2-week blocks. Students are assigned to one of two lab streams.
Textbooks

Recommended:

  • Introduction to Genetic Analysis, Griffiths, 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, Environmental literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will understand:

    • The complexity of developmental genetics in bacterial model systems
    • The use of yeast as a simple model of eukaryote development
    • The diversity of animal models for development; signalling in animal development
    • Sex determination as a developmental cascade
    • Genetic screens as tools to build genetic pathways
    • Production and use of transgenic plants to understand development
    • Genetic control of flowering
    • The use of genetically engineered organisms to produce medicines and other high value products
    • The extent of biotechnology applications of genome editing and genetic engineering 
    • The production of transgenic organisms, including foods, and the associated health, safety and regulatory issues
    • Biotechnology applications for human health
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