Genetics 3A: Evolutionary Genetics and Epigenetics

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
BIOL 3006
Course ID icon
Course ID
200425
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how evolutionary forces shape the gene pool and how gene expression can be regulated epigenetically.

Course learning outcomes

  • Discuss the principles of population genetics, including allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and genetic drift and apply these to analysis of population structure, gene flow and effective population size
  • Evaluate the origin, structure, function and evolution of genomes and chromosomes, molecular phylogenetics, and the roles of chance, mutation and natural selection in evolution at the molecular genetic level
  • Examine the origin of humans, human migrations, and interactions with other hominid species with a focus on the importance of ancient DNA in evolutionary studies
  • Define epigenetic modifications and their heritability and analyse the role of environmental influences on epigenetic marks and the role of epigenetic changes in diseases, including cancer
  • Analyse the primary scientific literature in population genetics, evolutionary genetics and epigenetics

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A