Genetics

Study Genetics -build a foundation for the future. Genetics is the future in horticulture, agriculture, health science and environmental management.

Course Code: BSC207

Fee Code: S1

Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours

Qualification Statement of Attainment

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Where are you located?

Within Australia
AUD $768.90inc GST

Outside Australia
AUD $799.00

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Delivery Method
   Online
   E-Learning (USB stick via post)
   Correspondence (Paper notes via post)

All prices in Australian Dollars.

Join the Genetic Revolution

Whether you live in fascination or fear of the use or abuse of genetic data, genetics is at the forefront of advancements in science, medicine and technology. The study of genetics has numerous practical applications in the fields of Diseases and Treatments, Human History, Forensics and Law and Genetic Enhancements. As well as the numerous career opportunities stemming from the genetic revolution we are in, just simply taking the time to study genetics can help you learn about your own health.

Develop your knowledge of Genetics

An understanding of genetics will be more important as we move into the future; but it can be a difficult subject to understand if you do not have a proper grasp of the fundamentals - Grasping those fundamentals is what this course is about!

Learn about cellular function, traits, characteristics and heritability.

Genetics is an expansive field covered in all biological science disciplines including biochemistry, botany, ecology, zoology, microbiology, molecular biology and medicine. This is how living organisms become what they are, how we differ from one another and from other species. Studying genetics can feel like studying another language – the biological language of genes and DNA. It is expected that you will have some prior biological study to undertake this course

This is a big subject -man's knowledge of genetics is growing daily - you cannot learn everything in one course; but with this course as a foundation, you are better placed to understand what you encounter, and continue your learning over the years that follow.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

Introduction to Genetics
- Scope, nature and history
- Darwin and Mendel
- Mendel’s experiment
- Mendel’s law of segregation
- Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment
- Advances since Mendel
- Important genetics terminology
- Set task
- Assignment
Cells, Organelles and Cell Division
- Prokaryotes
- Eukaryotes
- Organelles in the cell
- Cell structure and function
- Organelles in plants -Cell wall, Vacuole,Plastids
- Organelles in plants and animals - plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes etc.
- Genetic structures and materials
- Nucleus
- Nuclear envelope
- Nucleolus
- DNA
- Cell division –meiosis and mitosis
- DNA replication
- Four stages of Mitosis
- Cytokinesis
- Gametogenesis
- Gametes
- Meiosis
- Meiosis 1
- Meiosis 2
- Gamete production in plants
- Set task
- Assignment
Interaction between Chromosomes
- Introduction
- Sex determination
- Sex chromosomes
- Sex linked inheritance
- Haemophilia example
- Colour blindness example
- Linkage and crossing over
- Linked genes
- Genetic mapping
- Set task
- Assignment
Interaction between Genes
- Introduction
- Traits and gene expression
- Polygenic inheritance
- Gene interactions
- Epistasis
- Enhancer genes
- Suppressor gene
- Incomplete dominance
- Codominance
- Lethal genes
- Cytoplasmic inheritance
- Gene expression
- Transcription
- Translation
- Set tasks
- Assignment
Genetic Chemistry
- Nucleic acids
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Structure
- Double Stranded Helix
- Chromosomes
- Chromatin
- Chromatids
- Understanding the genetic code
- Role of proteins
- Transcription and translation
- Post translational modification
- Introns and exons
- Reading the code
- Set task
- Assignment
Mutations
- Introduction
- Chromosome mutations
- Insertion
- Inversion
- Duplication
- Translocation
- Nondisjunction
- Gene mutations
- Point mutations (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
- Point substitution mutation
- Insertions
- Deletions
- Frameshift mutations
- Categories of gene mutations
- Silent mutations
- Missense mutations
- Nonsense mutations
- How do mutations occur
- Radiation
- Viruses or other microorganisms
- Chemicals
- Spontaneous mutations
- Effect of mutations
- Repair of mutations
- Set task
- Assignment
DNA Repair and Recombination
- Introduction
- Excision pathways
- Methyl directed mismatch repair
- SOS repair
- Photoreactivation (Light dependent repair)
- Crossing over
- Recombination
- Set task
- Assignment
Developmental Genetics
- Introduction
- Genetics are instructions for structures
- Cellular organisation and differentiation
- Model organisms used in developmental genetics
- Why study developmental genetics
- The human genome project
- Birth defects
- Genetic advances in birth defects
- Gene therapy
- Gene therapy and cancer
- Set task
- Assignment
Population genetics
- What is population genetics
- Genetic variation within a population
- How do we measure genetic variation
- The hardy weinberg law
- Evolutionary agents and their effect on population genetics
- Mutations
- Movement of individuals between populations
- Genetic drift
- Non random mating
- Natural selection
- Polymorphism
- Set tasks
- Assignment
Applied Genetics
- Genetics in breeding animals
- Farm animal breeding
- Breeding pets
- Genetics for breeding plants
- Cloning plants
- Cloning -somatic cell nuclear transfer
- Modifying organisms genetically
- Transgenic animals
- Agricultural applications for transgenics
- Medical applications for transgenics
- Transgenics to modify DNA in plants
- Genetics in human health science
- Disease understanding
- Diagnosis of disease
- Genetic screening
- Gene therapy
- Pharmacogenomics
- Set task
- Assignment

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

To acknowledge the history of modern genetics and interpret important terminology in genetics work used, specifically relating to areas of study such as plant and animal sciences, conservation of plant and animal species, agriculture, horticulture, veterinary medicine and human health sciences.
To develop understanding of the structures (organelles) of cells and comprehend their basic functions specifically relating to cell division.
To discuss the main ways features are inherited.
To develop knowledge of biological interactions and understand the significance of gene expression in heritability.
Describe chemicals and reactions involved in genetics including protein synthesis.
- Explain the nature and management of genetic mutations.
Develop understanding of how DNA repair mechanisms, and recombination to understand the significance of DNA cleaving and re-joining.
Demonstrate an understanding of genetics to explain how variations occur in living organisms both within and beyond species.
Explain both the significance and dynamics of genetic variation within populations of different living organisms.
Describe how genetic knowledge is applied to a variety of human endeavors.

GENETICS TODAY

Everything from agriculture and horticulture, to veterinary and human health science, is being impacted increasingly by our rapidly developing understanding of genetics. While the future may not be predictable, there is little doubt that a knowledge of genetics will lay a very good foundation for many business and employment opportunities over the coming decades. Consider the following.

Farm Animal Breeding
Selective breeding in farm animals is centered around identifying the most desirable characteristics and breeding from those animals that display them. Traits essentially fit into five basic categories.

Fitness traits: these are usually linked to reproduction such as litter size, conception rate, gestation length, survival rates of young
Production traits: these include milk yield, growth rate, feed efficiency, number of eggs.
Quality traits: these include carcass composition, level of fat, meat and milk quality.
Type traits: these include physical appearance such as coat colour, udder shape, number of teats in pigs.
Behavioural traits: these include herding ability in sheep dogs, temperament, mothering ability.

Pet breeding
Whereas the main objective of a farm animal breeding program is to improve performance, breeding programs for pedigree cats and dogs and other pet animals has centered on how they look i.e. the phenotype. This has led to the development of over 1700 different dog breeds throughout the world. Pedigree dog breeding is big business and can generate significant amounts of money for the breeder. In recent years it has come under heavy criticism as one of the consequences of breeding for specific traits that effect appearance is that other genes may also be selected that are detrimental to the dogs health and welfare. In particular some breeds e.g. pugs and King Charles Spaniels were being breed with such shortened noses that they were having breathing problems

Plant Breeding
Plant breeding has been practiced for thousands of years, since near the beginning of human civilization. It is essentially the manipulation of plant species in order to create desired genotypes and phenotypes for specific purposes. These days, this manipulation involves either controlled pollination, genetic engineering, or both, followed by artificial selection of progeny. Classical plant breeding uses the planned crossing of closely or distantly related individuals to produce new crop varieties or lines with desirable properties. These may include colour, shape, disease resistance or potential yield in crop producing plants. Plants are cross bred to introduce traits/genes from one variety or line into a new genetic background.

It is now practiced worldwide by government institutions and commercial enterprises as it is believed that breeding new crops is important for ensuring food security through the development of crops suitable for their environment such as drought conditions or warmer climates.

HUMAN HEALTH
Genetics research has lead to an understanding of what causes disease, the diagnosis of diseases and genetic screening to identify populations that are of risk from a specific genetic disorder.

Diagnosis of disease
Genetic testing is used to diagnose many disorders such as Turner’s syndrome, Klinefleter’s syndrome and many heart and blood disorders. The diagnosis of a genetic disorder may indicate that the relatives of the affected person should be screened for the genetic defect or whether they carry the gene.

Genetic Screening
This is the use of a test to identify people who have, are predisposed to or carriers of a certain genetic disease. It can be applied at many stages of life and used for a variety of purposes.

COMMENT FROM ONE OF OUR GENETICS STUDENTS

What is needed to succeed in a Genetics career?

A career in Genetics is an exciting, energising one.
For a successful career in genetics, you need to build a foundation first, to understand the universal principles, possibilities and complications conducive of DNA-based life.
The genetic revolution is bringing about massive advancements, and will continue to evolve with developments in human genomics. If you are ready to make a commitment in time, energy, and motivation, the rewards are huge.

Where can this course lead?

Genetics is a maturing industry and job opportunities in this field will be highly varied in the future so current students need to "think outside the box". This course may deliver different things to different graduates. The following are just some of the areas where opportunities in Genetics may be found in the future:

Plant Breeding
Animal Breeding
Genomics
Genealogy
Ancestry
Gene therapy
Diagnostic genetic testing – paternity; genetic disorders
Clinical trials
Forensic science
Genetic enhancement
Biotech/Medical Sales and Marketing
Research e.g. medical, public health, anthropological
Dietetics/Nutrition
Nursing
Education
Science Outreach
Technician
Patenting
Quality control
Compliance
Scientific/Technical/Medical Writing and Illustrating
Genetic counseling
Bioinformatics
Administration
Physician Assistant
Genetic programming

What Next?

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ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

Member Nursery and Garden Industry Association.

Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.

Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.

What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

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Our terms and conditions of enrolment are here.

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Sarah Jury

Over 15 years working in small business, I.T., education and science. Sarah has a PGCE(Post Compulsory Education), BSc(Hons) (Genetics), DipComp(Open), CertWebApps(Open).
She has designed and created several Web sites for different organisations.

Jade Sciascia

Biologist, Business Coordinator, Government Environmental Dept, Secondary School teacher (Biology); Recruitment Consultant, Senior Supervisor in Youth Welfare, Horse Riding Instructor (part-completed) and Boarding Kennel Manager.
Jade has a B.Sc.Biol, Dip.Professional Education, Cert IV TESOL, Cert Food Hygiene.

Dr Robert Browne

Zoologist, Environmental Scientist and Sustainability, science based consultancy with biotechnology corporations. Work focused on conservation and sustainability.
Robert has published work in the fields of nutrition, pathology, larval growth and development, husbandry, thermo-biology, reproduction technologies, and facility design.Robert has B.Sc., Ph, D.

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