Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
The discipline of Genetics has pioneered the core concepts underlying many diverse fields of biology - ranging from medicine, biochemistry and microbiology to ecology, evolution and environmental sciences. BIOL2202 Genetics is therefore a recommended second level subject for all students pursuing a biology-focused major. Employing a strong experimental component, BIOL2202 integrates classical concepts of inheritance, development and variation with modern molecular advances arising from the post-genomic era.
Genetics is the nexus of the biological disciplines, continuing to pioneer many of the core advances that transform our understanding in all other fields of biology, particularly medicine. The course addresses Genetics from a modern molecular perspective by combining discussion of key concepts in the field with the application of molecular genetic techniques that are essential tools in the modern biological sciences.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1020 or BIOE1001 or CHEE1001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL2007 or BIOL2009
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Timothy Puckering
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the discipline of Genetics, a field through which we can integrate the fundamental concepts of most biological disciplines. Students will develop an appreciation of modern molecular genetics while gaining a detailed understanding of the process by which genetic information is regulated and maintained in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, as well as learning how to perform and interpret key molecular genetic techniques. Completion of this course will assure a sound basis for all biology-focused studies and provide key knowledge required to enable transition into studies of Genetics in third year. Many scientific employers and Honours supervisors see a strong understanding of Genetics as a highly valuable characteristic in their laboratory members.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse and interpret nucleotide sequences with the aid of the genetic code, and understand the effects of mutation and DNA repair on gene structure and function.
LO2.
Discuss the molecular basis of genetic inheritance and the mechanisms that enable the transfer of genetic material.
LO3.
Explain how gene regulation influences cell differentiation, and clarify the role of epigenetics in modulating gene expression.
LO4.
Interpret genetic screens, genetic interactions, and molecular genetic analyses of simple and complex phenotypic traits.
LO5.
Clarify the central role of genetic variation in shaping evolution.
LO6.
Develop integrated knowledge of the the broad concepts of the discipline of Genetics in the context of humans and consider how advances in Genetics are perceived by society.
LO7.
Understand how to apply key genetic techniques in the laboratory, including manipulation of classic model systems.
LO8.
Independently research manuscripts published in the field of Genetics, and show your deep understanding of the topic by communicating it effectively to others.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Genetics practical
|
Pass/Fail |
Week 3 - Week 11 |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
35% |
In-semester Saturday 6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025 |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition | The Genetic Basis of Stuff and Things | 30% |
20/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Genetics practical
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Week 3 - Week 11
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08
Task description
Public Holidays
If one of your practical sessions falls on a public holiday, you will be informed via Blackboard how to compensate for that session being disrupted.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Absence from a Practical Session
Attendance of all aspects of 100% of the enrolled sessions is compulsory.
If you are unable to attend your timetabled practical session due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must submit a practical absence request immediately accompanied by acceptable supporting documentation that covers the date of the missed practical. A list of acceptable reasons and required supporting documentation is found at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
Requests for practical absences can be submitted via the course Blackboard site under the Assessment tab > Practical (Pass/Fail) > Applying for Practical Absences. Your request must be submitted prior to or on the day of the missed practical; it is your responsibility to submit an application and provide correct documentation by the due date and time. Requests without correct supporting documentation may not be approved.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
See TASK DESCRIPTION for instructions on how to apply for a practical absence.
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L07
Task description
An on-campus, invigilated in-semester examination that will sample your knowledge of topics covered in Modules 1, 2 and 3, and sections of the practical.
The in-semester exam will be held on a Saturday to be decided by central examinations. A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred examinations have taken place and have been marked, at a time when all of the relevant examiners are available.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
The Genetic Basis of Stuff and Things
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
20/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The abilities to learn independently and to communicate effectively are both key traits that are valuable not only in a career in Genetics, but in most fields. The assessment item "The Genetic Basis of Stuff and Things" provides an opportunity to improve these skills. Detailed instructions on how to complete this task are provided on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit through the course dedicated portals found on Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name their ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
An on-campus, invigilated in-semester examination that will sample your knowledge of topics covered in Modules 4, 5 and 6, and sections of the practical.
A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred/supplementary examinations have taken place and have been marked, at a time when all of the relevant examiners are available.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Work of a very poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a very low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Work of poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of fair quality demonstrating a basic understanding of most aspects of subject matter and a modest appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, but with serious deficiencies in some areas, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a good quality demonstrating a good understanding of most subject matter and a competent level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, although with some lapses and inadequacies, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a very good quality demonstrating a strong understanding of a wide, but not complete, range of subject matter and a good level of appreciation of issues, although not necessarily of the finer points, covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of exceptional quality showing a deep understanding of a wide range of subject matter and a clear appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components.
2. You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Lab coat and safety glasses | PPL for laboratory sessions | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional material (including portals for submission of the Genetic Basis of Stuff and Things exercise) are found on the Blackboard site at learn.uq.edu.au
Check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 2 |
Lecture |
1: Genes & Mutation Six lectures by Prof. James Fraser. Learning outcomes: L01, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Practical Practicals are compulsory; you must attend all aspects of your scheduled sessions to pass the course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L07, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 5 |
Lecture |
2: Inheritance & Transfer of Genetic Material Six lectures by Prof. Nick West. Learning outcomes: L02, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
3: Gene Regulation Six lectures by Assoc. Prof. Paul Ebert. Learning outcomes: L03, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
4: Genetic Analysis of Simple & Complex Traits Six lectures by Assoc. Prof. Miloš Tanurdžić. Learning outcomes: L04, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
6: Human Genetics Six lectures by Assoc. Prof. Marina Fortes. Learning outcomes: L06, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
5: Population Genetics & Genomics Six lectures by Prof. Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos. Learning outcomes: L05, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety