Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The behaviour of genes in populations provides a fundamental way of testing ecological hypotheses and principles. This unit will provide the theoretical and practical training required for practicing ecologists. The unit is an extension of the Genetics unit and links the study of genetics to the biology and ecology units in the Ecology major.

Aims

To develop an understanding of genetic processes at the population level of scale and their consequences in terms of population viability.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will:

1. Have a basic understanding of the genetic processes that occur at the population level.
2. Be familiar with practical approaches to the study of genetics of natural populations.
3. Be able to integrate the links between concepts in basic genetics and population genetics with new ideas in evolutionary biology.
4. Be familiar with modern approaches of molecular genetics in evolutionary biology.
5. Have developed critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate a number of possible solutions to problems associated with genetic processes in populations.

Content

Basic principles of population genetics.
Evolutionary forces at the molecular and population level.
Adaptation and variation in natural populations.
Species and speciation theory.
Molecular ecology
Evolutionary biology.
Phylogeography.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of 2 hours of lectures and a 2-hour laboratory/tutorial session per week. Lectures and tutorial sessions will further develop the theoretical understanding obtained in the unit Genetics and Evolution. Practical sessions will examine typical questions investigated in population genetic studies and will familiarise you with current technologies available for genetic studies. Ethical considerations in genetic research will be highlighted. A field exercise is an essential element in this unit.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Feedback will be available on your progress.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: (Formative and Summative - via verbal feedback) - Theory. You will be given a topic of current interest in Molecular Ecology and you will be asked to prepare a short written review of current literature relating to the research questions fundamental to the topic and to present a brief verbal summary and lead a discussion on the topic.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid to late semester

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Summative) - Theory: End-semester examination. The final assessment item will be a take-home exam held during the examinations period based on topics and research issues covered in the lectures and practical sessions. The exam will comprise short essay questions on topics covered in lectures, tutorials and practical sessions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

Assessment name: Tute Participation/Exercise
Description: (Formative and summative - via verbal feedback) - Practical. You will be required to write up practical reports relating to the material covered in the practical sessions of the unit, including the field trip. Prac books will be due at the end of the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text:

1. Haliburton R (2004) Introduction to Population Genetics, Pearson

References:

Students are directed to current reference material relevant to each topic area.

Risk assessment statement

The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low risk activities. Risk assessments for field trips identify several low impact risks, including: travel; slips and trips; animal bites, and animal and plant stings. Students are provided with a health and safety manual detailing health, safety and emergency procedures associated with laboratory and field activities. Students are required to read, understand and put into practice all safety guidelines. Safety considerations associated with field trips will be discussed in pre-trip briefings with printed notes related to safety issues being distributed where appropriate.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012