GEN2052 - Human & Population Genetics

• Unit information
• General Unit Information & Objectives
• Specific Unit Information

General Unit Information

This subject complements GEN2041 and examines principles of genetics that are relevant to humans, and the principles and factors that affect normal population variation among individuals of any species. Rapid progress is being made in our understanding of the role of genes in humans and model organisms. The contribution of the Human Genome Project to current and future knowledge will be outlined and discussed in the context of its similarities to the genomes of other organisms. The subject will examine the nature of mutations, DNA repair genes, the genetics of cancer, multi-factorial traits and congenital single-gene disorders.  

Objectives

This unit deals with variation and inheritance of most types of human characteristics. It will provide an understanding of the fundamental processes of mutation, genetic drift and selection that change the genetic constitution of populations and species during evolution. The nature of mutations that underlie many human diseases, and their role in affecting multi-factorial traits such as disease resistance and susceptibility, will be explained.  An appreciation of the contribution that the study of model organisms provides to our knowledge of human genetics and evolution will be gained. The Human Genome Project will be explored and its contribution to our understanding of the entire human genome and the integrated function of individual genes will be explained. Skills in data collection, data organisation and data analysis, including simple statistical concepts, necessary in the preparation and presentation of scientific reports will be developed. Problem-solving and data-interpretation skills will also be taught, as will be several basic laboratory techniques and principles that underlie experimental design. The skills and value of working in a team will be developed.

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Specific Unit Information

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