Unit rationale, description and aim

Human genetics is at the forefront of biological and medical breakthroughs, affecting our daily lives and choices. This unit offers a study of the terminology and principles of genetics, including the nature and cause of genetic variation in humans and the examination of patterns of inheritance of genetic traits. Students gain 'hands-on' experience in the modern techniques of DNA analysis that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of selected genetic disorders. Genetic counselling is introduced, and the principles of and ethical issues associated with gene therapy and prenatal diagnosis are discussed. This unit also offers opportunities to demonstrate effective communication of biomedical science knowledge as students are required to formulate evidence-based and scientifically sound arguments in spoken, written, and internet-based forms. This is a science unit contributing to the realisation of the University's mission to develop graduates capable of defending an ethical standpoint while applying the principles of genetics and human dignity.


2026 10

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  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
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  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
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  • Semester 1Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

BIOL123 Cells and Tissues - the Fabric of Life OR BIOL125 Human Biology 1

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Describe the modes of inheritance and relate them ...

Learning Outcome 01

Describe the modes of inheritance and relate them to human variation and genetic disease
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Identify and explain the main types of mutation an...

Learning Outcome 02

Identify and explain the main types of mutation and their consequences
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Explain and interpret current techniques employed ...

Learning Outcome 03

Explain and interpret current techniques employed in genetic analyses and appraise their relevance in the diagnosis of human genetic disorders
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7

Analyse the principles and appraise the importance...

Learning Outcome 04

Analyse the principles and appraise the importance of gene technology and genetic counselling
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2

Develop and argue for an ethical standpoint on a g...

Learning Outcome 05

Develop and argue for an ethical standpoint on a genetics-related topic
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8

Content

Topics will include:

• Nature and cause of genetic variation in humans

• Patterns of inheritance of genetic traits

• Population genetics

• Techniques in DNA analysis, including cytogenetics, biochemical analysis and recombinant DNA technology

• Application of DNA techniques to diagnose, prevent, and manage genetic disorders

• Genetic counselling

• Principles of and ethical issues associated with gene therapy and prenatal diagnosis

Assessment strategy and rationale

The assessment strategy for this unit is carefully structured to support student learning throughout the semester. It is designed to guide students progressively toward achieving the unit learning outcomes, encouraging consistent engagement and steady progress.

To pass the unit, students must demonstrate that they have achieved each learning outcome and obtained a total mark of 50% in the unit as the minimum standard.

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes

Two quizzes will assess students’ engagement and understanding of the learning material as well as feedback opportunities.

Assessment Task 2: Academic report

This task requires students to produce an academic report that demonstrates developing critical thinking skills and the ability to integrate material from across the unit. It is designed to promote deep engagement with the content and to allow thorough investigation and thoughtful analysis.

 Assessment Task 3: Final Examination

The unit concludes with an on-campus end-of-semester examination, which assesses students’ ability to integrate and apply the key concepts explored throughout the semester. This task evaluates cumulative understanding and overall mastery of the unit content.

Overview of assessments

Assessment Task 1 Quizzes Quizzes enabling the s...

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes

Quizzes enabling the students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the content covered at the time of assessment.

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7

Assessment Task 2 Academic Report This assessmen...

Assessment Task 2

Academic Report

This assessment task will produce an academic report that demonstrates the ability to integrate material from the taught topics.

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8, GC11

Assessment Task 3 End-of-semester examination Th...

Assessment Task 3

End-of-semester examination

The end-of-semester examination assesses students’ ability to integrate and apply the key concepts explored throughout the semester.

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8

F = formative; S= summative; H = hurdle

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The teaching of this unit integrates human genetic concepts with evidence-based pedagogy to ensure students gain both foundational knowledge and practical competency. Given the rapid advancements in genetic technology, this unit is structured to foster critical thinking and applied human genetic skills.

Active learning strategies, such as problem-based case discussions on genetic disorders and biomarkers, encourage critical engagement with diagnosis, inherited pathologies and complex trait genetic analysis. Online lectures are used to deliver key concepts, freeing class time for hands-on tasks that explore current methodologies in human genetics. Laboratory components introduce students to real-world techniques including DNA extraction, genotyping, and bioinformatics-related genetic tools. Attendance at all classes is strongly encouraged so that students attain all learning objectives of the unit, including skills in genetic analysis techniques and critical thinking.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Cummings, M. R. (2016). Human Heredity. Principles and Issues. 11th edition, Brookes/Cole. CENGAGE Learning.

Jackson, M., Marks, L., May, G. H. W., Wilson, J. B. (2018). Essays in biochemistry(2018) 62 (5). 643-723

Klug W.S, Cummings, M.R., Spencer, C.A., Palladino M.A. and Killian D. (2020) Concepts of Genetics. 12th Edition, Pearson Education International.

Nussbaum, R.L. McInnes, R.R. Willard, H.F. (2016) Thompson and Thompson Genetics in Medicine. (8th Ed) Elsevier.

Tobias, E.S. Connor, J.M. and Ferguson-Smith, M.A. (2011) Essential Medical Genetics.(6th Ed.) John Wiley and Sons.

Watson, J., Baker, T., Bell, S., Gann, A., Levine, M. and Losick, R. (2014). Molecular Biology of the Gene. Pearson.

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