SLE339 - Human Genetics and Genomics

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: Mark Guthridge
Prerequisite:

SLE254

Corequisite:

SLE010

Incompatible with: Nil
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour online lecture per week, 5 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester.

Content

Human genetics and genomics are impacting on virtually every field of health and medicine. Fields including biomedical research, clinical research, 'precision' medicine, bioinformatics, general practice (medicine), allied health, genetic counselling, pathology, drug development, sports medicine, dietetics and nutrition, pharmacogenetics, public health, science education, patent law, bioethics, biobanking, diagnostics, forensics and nursing will require skilled graduates with an understanding of human genetics and genomics.

Students of SLE339 will perform authentic work-related investigations in analysing, interpreting and explaining how human genetics affects health and disease. In practical sessions, students will learn essential laboratory and bioinformatic skills that will enable them to investigate genetic mutations, their disease risks and the treatments available. SLE339 is designed to provide transferable employability skills in problem-solving and critical thinking and so will give students a competitive edge in a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Analyse, interpret and explain how genetics controls and regulates human phenotypes, traits and/or risks for a range of human diseases.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management

ULO2

Formulate a diagnosis, prognosis and clinical management for a human disease based on a patient's clinical notes and their genetics and then justify the conclusions.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO3

Evaluate, interpret and explain experimental data produced during laboratory practicals and apply knowledge in human genetics to logically justify conclusions.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1
Practical projects
Practical reports and reflective worksheets 30% Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11
Assessment 2
Online tests
Two 60-minute online tests 30% (10%, 20%) Weeks 5 and 8
Assessment 3
Case study
Written case study report 1500 words 40% Week 11

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

Prescribed text(s): Read and Donnai, 2021, New Clinical Genetics, 4th (or 3rd edition), Scion Publishing Ltd.

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE339 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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