Genomics & Evolution of Complex Traits (BIOL3350)

Course overview

This course will provide students with a foundation for understanding the genetic basis and evolution of traits that are influenced by both genetics and the environment. In many cases, these ‘complex’ traits are controlled by large numbers of genes and their genetic study requires a specialised approach. This course covers theory, methods, and applications of quantitative genetics. With a strong emphasis on phenotypic microevolution, the course will cover the evolution of complex traits, such as life histories, morphology, complex behaviours, and disease. The course centres around the study of two fundamental relationships; the genotype-phenotype map and the phenotype-fitness map. We cover the predictive theories for evolution by natural selection and the measurement of evolvability and constraints. Approaches for genetic dissection of complex traits including Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) and Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) will be covered as well as specialised approaches for inferring causal relationships such as Mendelian Randomisation. Example topics include the evolution of life histories (e.g. ageing) and trade-offs, adaptive radiations, pleiotropy and its consequences, mutation and the maintenance of genetic variation. Case studies span natural variation in wild populations through to human disease. The human genetics module is delivered by leading human geneticists from UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience.

Only a very small fraction of traits are controlled by a single gene. Rather, the vast majority of traits are influenced by many different mutations in the genome residing within or around literally hundreds of genes. In many cases these so called ‘complex traits’ are the exact ones we need to understand for improving human health, developing productive crops and livestock, and understanding how species can mount evolutionary responses to environmental change.ﾠ This course introduces the field of complex trait genetics and genomics from both applied and evolutionary perspectives. We will help you to develop a deep understanding and practical skills in quantitative genetic analysis.ﾠ Thanks to an explosion of DNA sequence data, facilitated through the DNA sequencing revolution, many of the significant advances currently being made in human and evolutionary genetics are in this field and it is becoming increasingly important for geneticists to have training in this area. This course will build on and extend your genetic knowledge gained in Genetics (BIOL2202). As the field of complex trait genetics is of a statistical nature, we recommend students take at least second level statistics (BIOL2006). We have a very hands-on course structure, with only one formal lecture per week and the reminder of class time spent in interactive small group tutorial and lab sessions.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students should have completed BIOL2006 and BIOL2202 before enrolling in this course.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL2202 or BIOL2902

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL2006 or BIOL2106, BIOL2201

Recommended companion or co-requisite courses

We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:

BIOL3380

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to provide a foundation for understanding the genetics and evolution of traits affected by multiple genes and the environment. The emphasis will be on the genetics and evolution of complex phenotypes such as life histories, performances including behaviour, and human diseases. We cover genetic analysis from basic variance components through to the genetic dissection of complex traits using Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) and Genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Via a strong practical component, students will also acquire hands on skills with current techniques for the genetic analysis of complex traits.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

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

In Semester exam

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

30%

Due date

26/08/2025

During the Workshop

Other conditions

Student specific, Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Major assignment

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

30%

Due date

9/10/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

1. Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site.

2. Check that you have the correct file - the final version of your report.

3. Upload an electronic version through the assessment Turnitin site.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

A maximum of 14 days extension may be permitted as feedback is released after 14 days & review of the assessment is discussed in class. Timely release of the feedback from this assessment is important as future learning material expands on ideas presented in this assessment and may be featured in the final exam.

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 (the 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). 

End of Semester exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

40%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Student specific, Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

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.

Additional course grading information

Assessment Hurdle

In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):

• You must obtain 50% or more on the End of Semester exam.

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 the UQ website 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

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

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: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension

For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184

Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates

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.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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