This course builds on BIOSCI201 and especially BIOSCI202. You will learn how traits are inherited and how this information can be applied to manipulate biological systems for agricultural and commercial use. Topics will range from genetic mapping of traits through to gene and mutation discovery, and finally the targeted alteration of genomes to treat conditions or introduce an advantageous DNA variation. These topics will be applied in the context of  plants, wild, domestic and farmed animals, and humans (including human conditions). The course incorporates the most recent advances in genetics, genome analysis, and genome editing. In 2025, the mid-semester test and exam was closed book and in person. 

This course could lead to a career in statistical genetics (e.g. farm animals, endangered species such as the Hihi, plant breeding), human genetic diagnostics,  biotechnology (e.g. production of recombinant therapeutics or plant selection / engineering), postgraduate studies towards an academic research career or key roles in the biological industries. 

 

Course Contacts: 

            Course coordinator : Anna Santure (a.santure@auckland.ac.nz)

 

Basic information: 

Date: Semester 1 

  Location: City Campus (Lectures and Labs) 

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 201, BIOSCI 202

 

This is a required paper for  BSc Biological Sciences genetics pathway and BSc Biomed (genetics pathway) 

https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=BIOSCI%20351&clear=6 

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Content

The course is structured into five themes, each consisting of a block of lectures followed by a theme tutorial. 

 

Block 1: Determining the genetic basis of interesting phenotypes

 

This module is taken by Associate Professor Anna Santure. She talks quite fast so it’s a good idea to have a pre-read of the notes before the lecture, annotate on top of the slides or have the slides pre-typed in notion or docs if that’s what you prefer. This part of the course is focused on how genetic variants cause differences in phenotypes and how these variants are located and identified. There are 3 main examples that will be covered – coat colour in mice, horns in Soay sheep and dog breeds.

 

Block 2: Plant molecular Genetics

 

This module is taken by Dr Chris Carrie. As the name states, it has a focus on plant genomes and the methods that we use to manipulate and genetically engineer them for agricultural and commercial use. Just like with any genetics, there is also a portion on ethics and regulation.

 

Block 3: Application of molecular genetics

 

Professor Russel Snell is in charge of this module. He sometimes goes on tangents talking about his own work with Alzheimer’s sheep models which is somewhat relevant. He also has these quirky sayings which help you when you are studying for this section. His module is about gene discovery and diagnostics – taking you through the techniques and tools that are used by scientists to discover genes and test for their effects. This transitions into how it is applied in a medical and curative context in identifying genetic diseases and gene therapies.

 

Block 4: Human Genetics Research

 

The course coordinator Dr. Jessie Jacobsen takes this module. It is a continuation on the previous module and starts off looking at chromosomal rearrangements and disease and then moves into specific genetic conditions and how they are clinically managed.

 

Block 5: Assessing Gene Function

 

Dr. Hilary Sheppard talks you through how gene function is assessed in vitro, in vivo and in organoids. The latter half of her module goes over CRISPR and gene ethics.

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Laboratories

The labs are extremely easy and are made so that you can easily obtain full marks. Make sure to do a bit of pre-reading on the lab material and stay up to date with lectures to get the most out of the lab as it is a practical application of the theory learned in the lectures. The TA’s most of the time will literally just give you the answer if you ask for it indirectly or they will guide your thinking towards the right direction. My only advice is to get all the questions done DURING the lab as the lab worksheet is due 10pm the same day as your lab.

 

Personally, I found the course challenging but very interesting with lots of practical real life examples of things. There were quite a few niche details of the course that they tested so better get your Anki on for those details especially with the test and exam being closed book! However, I found it was also equally important to remember the general structure for genetic processes. 

They also had quizzes which were worth quite a lot in the final grade but you get to have two gos at them so make sure to make them count. The first try did tell which answers were wrong so you could work on them and find the answer before your next try.

I found the lab assessments relatively easy (so try to bank your marks there) as the lab assistant teachers and lecturers also explain concepts quite well if you're confused so do not worry! 

I would emphasise the importance of keeping up to date with everything as the modules in this course also interlink with each other. Some modules do build on the concepts they taught in the earlier module or re-teach it, so I felt that was nice and allowed me to properly understand the same concept from the perspectives of two different lecturers.

Overall, I would say that this course is challenging but interesting, and if you have an interest in genetics, then you'd probably enjoy doing it :)