Overview
Guided work and assignments in literature research, evaluation and criticism of published papers, essay writing and data analysis.
GENE 360 is primarily aimed at students who are likely to undertake postgraduate studies in Genetics. The major aim of the paper is to give students experience in what it is like to be a scientist. In this paper, students will be introduced to reading, assessing, writing and talking about the scientific literature on genetics. Students in GENE 360 will have the opportunity to explore selected aspects of modern genetics in-depth, visit a research lab and produce a short grant application.
About this paper
| Paper title | Extension Topics and Research Skills |
|---|---|
| Subject | Genetics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- GENE 221, GENE 222 and GENE 223
- Pre or Corequisite
- Three of GENE 312, GENE 313, GENE 314, GENE 315
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
By invitation. Appropriate for students majoring in genetics wishing to continue with postgraduate studies.
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-conveners: Professor Stephanie Hughes (Biochemistry) and Associate Professor Sheri Johnson (Zoology)
Other teaching staff:
Professor Mik Black (Biochemistry)
Associate Professor Tina Summerfield (Botany)
Associate Professor Lynette Brownfield (Biochemistry)
Professor Peter Fineran (Microbiology)
Associate Professor Heather Cunliffe (Pathology)
Associate Professor Louise Bicknell (Biochemistry)
Associate Professor Logan Walker (University of Otago Christchurch)
Associate Professor Phil Wilcox (Mathematics and Statistics)
- Paper Structure
The lecture course is divided into eight 2-week tutorial blocks, a three-week session on Te Ao Māori, Māori ethics and Vision Mātauranga, plus four class meetings in which the class is prepared for upcoming assessment tasks. On the second week of each tutorial block, students participate in hands-on tasks, presentation exercises or group discussions. Tutorial blocks are focused on current topics of interest in Genetics and, in addition, cover practical aspects of life as a scientist, particularly with a view to postgraduate research. Examples include:
- Reading and critiquing scientific papers.
- Presenting research.
- Ethics and the truth.
- Grant proposal writing.
- Scientific debates.
- Data analysis.
- Vision Mātauranga.
The paper includes an opportunity to visit research laboratories and to hear about the experiences of current Genetics postgraduate students.
- Teaching Arrangements
Weekly 1 h 50 min tutorials.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required as students will be reading from the primary literature.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
The objective of GENE 360 is to enable students to apply Genetics knowledge post-graduation, with an emphasis on preparation for postgraduate studies. By the end of this course, students should:
- Be comfortable reading, summarising and critiquing scientific papers.
- Be able to communicate research topics and techniques effectively for a range of audiences.
- Have an understanding of how research projects are planned, including meaningful consultation and ethical considerations, and peer review.
- Be able to work collaboratively as well as individually.
- Have a good idea of what postgraduate research in Genetics is like.