Genetics and Genomics (11736.1)

Required texts

Recommended Textbook

Pierce, B.A. (2024). Genetics: a conceptual approach, seventh edition, digital edition. W.H. Freeman and Company, NY.

This textbook is not a requirement, but recommended for those who would like to reinforce their understanding of the content taught. It is available as a short-term loan from the UC library. Here is the link to access UC library resources: https://www.canberra.edu.au/library/teachingstaff/unit-resources). The unit convener also has copies which may be borrowed on a short term loan. Please contact the unit convener for details.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

If there is any doubt with regard to the requirements of any particular assignments or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should contact the unit convener. Further, it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are correctly enrolled in the unit and that the unit convener and Student Administration have their correct contact details.

Late Submissions    

New Assessment Policy states that assessment submissions more than three days late will not be marked and will be awarded a zero mark, except under extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation provided. The unit convener reserves the right to determine whether such circumstances warrant an extension beyond the three days after the due date.

Deferred Exams

Mid-semester Test: In the event a student misses the mid-semester test due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, the student should apply for a deferred test. The application must be lodged within three days of the scheduled test with supporting evidence and a declaration by the student affirming that they have no knowledge of the content of the initial test.

Special assessment requirements

Final grades are allocated according to the aggregation of marks achieved in all assessment items. The final mark is out of a possible 100 marks. The details of the weighting of each assessment item are stated in Section 5a of the unit outline.

In order to pass the unit, students must achieve a final grade of at least 50%.

Content from lectures, workshops and practical sessions is included in all of the assessments items. Therefore, in order to meet the learning outcomes of the unit, watching the lectures and attendance of all on-campus classes (both workshops and practical sessions) is required. It is also important to attend the practical sessions in order to gain experience in practical skills fundamental to the study of Genetics and Genomics.

The use of generative AI is not permitted for any assessment item in this unit.

The unit convener reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes. This may result in an adjustment to marks awarded for a specific task.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment will usually only be offered to students who have failed a single unit in their final semester with a final mark between 45-49% and the unit is required for course completion. Refer to the UC Supplementary Assessment Policy.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

Workload

It is assumed that this unit will require a total commitment of 150 hours per semester. In this unit there are 16 hours of labs, 12 hours of lectures, and 24 hours of workshops. Attendance and participation at all on campus classes is expected. The remaining 98 hours that should be spent on preparing for lectures, self study and working on the various assessment tasks.

Teaching philosophy and conduct

The teaching philosophy of the unit convener and associated staff is that all work in this 2^nd year unit is not just a one-way stream of information from the staff to the students, but a collaborative discovery journey of both students and staff. To promote deep understanding the unit is designed to guide and challenge the students to apply the knowledge taught to scenarios and case studies. It is therefore necessary and expected that the students fully commit themselves to the unit, by watching recordings of lectures, participate actively in workshops and labs and spend abundant time on self-study. The students may expect that the staff will create a supportive intellectual environment and teach and mentor to the best of their abilities in a professional respectful manner. The staff and unit convener expect in exchange that the students will behave in an equally professional and respectful manner.

Inclusion and engagement

Inclusion and Welfare

Students who need assistance in undertaking the unit because of disability or other circumstances should inform their Unit Convener or Inclusion and Welfare as soon as possible so the necessary arrangements can be made.

Please reach out to the unit convener at any stage if you start to feel stressed or overwhelmed.

Participation requirements

Content from lectures, workshops and practical sessions is included in all of the assessments items. Therefore, in order to meet the learning outcomes of the unit, watching the lectures and attendance of all on-campus classes (both workshops and practical sessions) is required. It is also important to attend the practical sessions in order to gain experience in practical skills fundamental to the study of Biology. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned laboratory class due to illness or unavoidable commitments, contact the Unit Convener as soon as possible.

The workshops will contain information providing context and background important for the practical sessions. Attendance at the workshops is therefore expected to ensure that students enter the laboratory well prepared. Students will need to be well organised and efficient with their time in order to gain the most from the practical sessions.

In the case of sickness, absence, or mental health issues, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the unit convener is informed. The teaching staff is committed to assisting and supporting all students participating in the unit, so please reach out to ask for assistance. 

Required IT skills

Students are expected to have a basic level of IT understanding and computer literacy. Online browser navigation and the ability to use word and Excel is assumed. Knowledge of the statistical package R and/or R-studio is recommended.

In-unit costs

Work placement, internships or practicums

Not applicable

Additional information

Notifications through the Announcements Forum or the Canvas Discussion Forums are deemed to be made to the whole class.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they check for announcements on the Unit's Canvas website (Canvas forum messages are also emailed to student email addresses only).  Students should ensure they check their student email regularly.  The Canvas discussion forums will be checked by staff regularly.

Use of student email account

The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes".  Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit Convener is informed. 

• Semester 2, 2024, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (219049)
• Semester 2, 2023, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (209111)