2008 - HONOURS STUDY IN GENETICS

 The requirements for entry and the nature of the Honours course are reviewed each year.  A Postgraduate Diploma is also offered and consists of essentially the same course as offered to Honours students.

Academic qualification required for Honours is an average of 65% or more over germane (to Genetics) third year subjects, together with an average of at least 60% over all third year subjects.  [If only a single Genetics subject has been attempted, then a minimum of 65% is required in both that subject and one from a relevant Programme of Study.]

Postgraduate Diploma students who do not meet the above Faculty requirements may, with the permission of the Head of Department and the support of a supervisor, enrol in the Genetics PGD programme.  Normally, this will be identical to the Honours programme.

Graduates from La Trobe University

At the end of 2007, the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering will send letters to all students who are eligible to undertake either the Honours or the PGD course in the Department of Genetics.  Receipt of this letter does not ensure a place in the Honours/PGD programme; it simply indicates that the student has satisfied the Faculty’s prerequisites.  The major component of the Honours/PGD course is to undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of staff.  It is essential that students who receive a letter indicating their eligibility, contact the Head of Department, or the Honours Course Coordinator, and potential supervisors to discuss whether a suitable project and supervisor are available (unfortunately, there are normally more eligible students than the number of supervisors and projects available).  Both a letter of support from the supervisor and the letter of offer from the Faculty will be required for presentation at the time of enrolment.

Students interested in doing Honours/PGD are encouraged to talk to potential supervisors now about their interests.

Graduates from other Universities

Students who have completed an appropriate degree course at another university may apply to enrol in the Honours or Postgraduate Diploma course at La Trobe University. There are no application forms, but applicants are required to (a) satisfy the Faculty of their qualifications (undergraduate subjects and marks as detailed above) and (b) obtain the support of a supervisor in the Department of Genetics.  Applicants should contact potential supervisors of interest (from the project lists attached) and discuss project availability.

The 2008 Honours/PGD Course [provisional]

All students will undertake:

1.    A research project under the guidance of one or more supervisors.  This is usually an in-depth investigation of a specific problem or phenomenon and serves as an introduction to the practice of scientific investigation.  In addition to the laboratory component, students will complete:

(i)    a  research essay (maximum 4,000 words), written at the beginning of the course, on a topic in the area of the research project and provides knowledge essential to the research topic.  This essay will contribute 5% to the final assessment and must be typed.

(ii)   a thesis is to be written at the completion of the research project and copies submitted for assessment by the supervisor(s) and one other staff member.  The thesis must be typed and be no longer than 70 pages (12 point type).  It will contribute 70% towards the final mark.

 2.    Three course-work units (subject to availability of staff) on general topics of current interest in Genetics.  Each of these units will be organized by a member of staff of the Department. The units may involve lectures/discussions/practical exercises by the academic staff concerned or outside speakers.  Each unit will be assessed by the responsible staff member and the total value of this section will be 25% of the final assessment.  Two weeks are normally allocated to each topic, during which time the material will be both presented and assessed.

 3.    Each student will give two Seminars during the year:

(i)    a preliminary seminar of 10 minutes' duration outlining the research project and its rationale; and

(ii)   a final seminar of 15 minutes' duration discussing the results obtained and their significance.  There is also a regular programme of Departmental seminars which all students must attend.

Assessment:  Research Essay 5%, Current topics in Genetics 25%, Thesis 70%.

Timetable:  The Honours/PGD course normally commences at the start of February and the thesis is submitted in early November.  In the special case of students commencing their fourth year programme in second semester, the starting date is 1^st July.  A detailed timetable is given out at the beginning of the course.

Further Information:  Any queries should be directed to Dr Graham Flannery, Honours Course Coordinator, Department of Genetics, Biological Sciences Building 1, Level 2, Room 235 – email  g.flannery@latrobe.edu.au, or telephone 9479-2269.

A guide to projects offered by staff of the Department of Genetics

The list that follows is not exhaustive, and students should consult individual supervisors for further areas of research interest.  Students with original projects or ideas for projects are encouraged to discuss them with potential supervisors to ascertain their suitability, and the availability of necessary resources and equipment.  Potential candidates should also check the list of recent Departmental publications to further ascertain interests and areas of expertise.

Honours projects - 2008

Some examples of research projects which may be offered by staff of the Department of Genetics in 2008 are shown below.  Students interested in any of these, or in related areas, should contact staff directly in order to discuss details.  Since many projects will only be offered subject to the availability of funding, students should also clarify this in discussions with putative supervisors.

Dr Chee Kai Chan                               Ph: 9479 1210               R L Reid Bld, Room 402

·        Non-viral gene therapy vector development: Enhancing nuclear delivery of Bacteria Artificial Chromosomes using nuclear targeting signal conjugates.

·        Non-viral gene therapy vector development: Use of block polymers and ultrasound to facilitate HACs (Human Artificial Chromosomes) transfection of mammalian cells.

·        In vitro studies of gene manipulation in leukaemias (with Dr Graham Flannery), with emphasis on down regulation of telomerase using RNAi.

·        Gene Therapy for Mitochondrial genetic disorders: Exploiting the mitochondria protein import pathway for gene delivery.

·        Tracing genetic lineage and migration routes of people groups in Borneo using Y chromosome STR haplotyping and SNP genotyping (with Dr John Mitchell).

Dr Graham Flannery                                     Ph: 9479 2269                      Biol Sci 1, Room 235

·         Early differentiation in neoplastic tissues: factors influencing arrested differentiation in human cancer cells, and the induction of further differentiation using chemical agents.

·         In vitro studies of gene manipulation in leukaemias (with Dr Chee Kai Chan), with emphasis on down regulation of telomerase using RNAi.

·         Immune response to cancer: natural killer (NK) cells and tumour cell lysis - the role of cell surface receptor gene variants

·         Immunogenetics of pregnancy: NK cell interactions with the placenta, and the role of receptor gene variants in pregnancy success

·         Examination of diversity in genes controlling immune responses: their role in population genetic studies (e.g. Indonesian-Australian population affinities, with A/Prof Mitchell) and in disease.

A/Prof Warwick Grant                       Ph: 9479 5067               R L Reid Bld, Room 404

·         Analysis of the interactions between genes that play a role in neurotransmitter release and modulation of response to neurotransmitters in C. elegans.

·        Positional cloning of genes identified by mutation and/or drug action as likely to play important roles in modulation of behavioural responses in C. elegans.

·        Microsatellite analysis of P. trichosuri in possum populations.

·        Development of transposon mediated methods for stable transgenesis of P. trichosuri.

·        Investigation of the relationship between stress response genes, lifespan determination and life history decisions in P. trichosuri.

A/Prof John Mitchell                          Ph: 9479 2275                     Biol Sci 1, Room 207

·         Microsatellite variation in human populations: forensic and anthropological implications

(with Dr Roland van Oorschot, Victorian Forensic Science Centre)

·         Analysis of trace DNA and its importance in forensic science (with Dr Roland van Oorschot, Victorian Forensic Science Centre)

·         Use of Y-chromosome-specific and autosomal molecular markers to trace human migrations

·         Molecular genetics of taste sensitivity in human populations: ethnic differences.

Dr Neil Murray                                       Ph: 9479 2270                     Biol Sci 1, Room 212

Projects may include DNA analyses of natural populations, managed and captive populations, and taxonomic questions in threatened species (funding permitting). Fisheries management projects are also possible.  Project details are not usually known until December.

·         Molecular ecology

Adaptation of native spiders to insecticides in agroecosystems.

Use of allozyme markers to investigate population structure and gene flow: studies on invertebrates in native and agricultural landscapes.

·         Any mutually agreed and inexpensive topic in evolutionary, ecological or conservation genetics.

Dr Yvonne Parsons                           Ph: 9479 2256               R L Reid Bld, Room 403

·         Development of DNA markers for linkage mapping in the midge Chironomus tepperi.

·         Gene expression analysis of candidate genes for heavy metal tolerance in Chironomus tepperi.

·         Population genetics of chironomids from pristine and polluted environments.

·         Population genetics of the Murray crayfish (with Dr Susan Lawler, DEME).

·         DNA barcoding: developing DNA identification techniques for biodiversity biomonitoring.

·         Molecular profiling of sediment microbial communities for pollution monitoring in Melbourne urban waterways.

·         Investigating the evolution and adaptive potential of mobile genetic elements in sediment microbial communities.

A/Prof  Mike Westerman                 Ph: 9479 2260                     Biol Sci 1, Room 202

·         DNA relationships between marsupial species and genera – especially bandicoots.

·         Phylogeographic studies in Antechinus species.

·         Phylogeographic studies in New Guinean bandicoots.

·         Possible projects on cancer genetics (with Professor Alex Dobrovic, Peter McCallum Institute).