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    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 aims of the paper are 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 in 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 ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    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

    genetics@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Co-convenors: Associate Professor Caroline Beck (Zoology) & Professor Stephanie Hughes (Biochemistry)

    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)

    Dr Sheri Johnson (Zoology)

    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 GENE360 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.

    Timetable

    Full Year

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

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 12:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22, 29-35, 37-42
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