SLE339 - Human Genetics and Genomics
Unit details
| Year | 2025 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.
To gain the necessary skills for these careers, SLE339 students 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. Beyond health and medical careers, 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.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 1,500 words | 40% | End-of-Unit Assessment period |
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 SLE339 can be found via the University Library.
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.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.