Genetics is at the forefront of advancements in science, medicine and technology. And it involves how living organisms become what they are, and how we differ from one another and other species. It’s a complicated subject! This course is ideal for those after some basic insights into this discipline who work in forensics and law, genetic enhancements, diseases and treatments, or those who would simply like to learn more about their own health.
The Certificate of Genetics is an online program that will give you an understanding of genetics and the universal principles, possibilities and complications of DNA-based life.
In this professional development course, you will study the scope, nature and history of genetics; the theories of Darwin and Mendel; cells, organelles and cell division; and the interaction between chromosomes and the interaction between genes.
You will also learn about mutations, genetic chemistry, DNA repair, recombination and developmental, and population and applied genetics.
On completion of this course, you will have learnt the fundamentals of genetics, including cellular function, traits, characteristics and heritability. Get set to join the genetic revolution!
Course Structure
Unit - Genetics
Unit 1 – 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
Unit 2 – 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
- Gameotogenesis
- Gametes
- Meiosis
- Meosis 1
- Meosis 2
- Gamete production in plants
Unit 3 – Interaction between chromosomes
- Introduction
- Sex determination
- Sex chromosomes
- Sex linked inheritance
- Haemophilia example
- Colour blindness example
- Linkage and crossing over
- Linked genes
- Genetic mapping
Unit 4 – 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
Unit 5 – 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
Unit 6 – 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
Unit 7 – DNA repair and recombination
- Introduction
- Excision pathways
- Methyl directed mismatch repair
- SOS repair
- Photoreactivation (Light dependent repair)
- Crossing over
- Recombination
Unit 8 – 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
Unit 9 – 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
Unit 10 – Applied Genetics
- Set 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
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for those wishing to understand genetics and the universal principles, possibilities and complications conductive of DNA-based life.
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