Whether you’re fearful or fascinated by genetic engineering, there’s no denying that it’s bringing unprecedented advances in science, medicine and technology. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to pursue career opportunities stemming from the genetic engineering revolution!
The Certificate of Genetic Engineering will explore how genetic engineering is applied in humans, animals and plants.
In this genetic engineering course, you will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of genetics and explore genetic technology, epigenetics, genetic modification and the important ethical considerations in genome editing.
You will also explore genetic engineering as it applies to crop and livestock development as well as advancements in human health.
On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of genetic engineering.
Course Structure
Unit - Genetic Applications
Unit 1 – Inheritance patterns and non-mendelian genetics
- Genetic inheritance
- Rendelian genetics
- Alleles
- Traits: dominant or recessive
- Genotype and phenotype
- Mendel’s laws of inheritance
- Law of dominance
- Law of segregation
- Law of independent assortment
- Non-mendelian genetics and inheritance patterns
- Multiple allele traits
- Human blood type
- Codominance
- Incomplete dominance
- Inheritance tools
- Forked line method
- Pedigrees
- Dominant traits
- Recessive traits
Unit 2 – Genetic foundations
- The basics of genetics
- Nucleic acids
- The structure of DNA
- Different types of DNA
- Genomic DNA
- Applications of GDNA
- Genomic libraries
- Complementary DNA
- Generating CDNA libraries
- The difference between a genomic library and a CDNA library
- The structure of MRNA
Unit 3 – genetic technologies
- Using genetic application tool
- Elisa
- PCR-elisa
- Microarrays
- Microarray process and analysis
- A DNA microarray plate
- Microarray applications
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array
- Polymerase chain reaction
- What is PCR?
- How PCR is conducted
- PCR ingredients and processes
- The amplification of DNA
- Gel electrophoresis
- Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- DNA sequencing technologies
- Sanger sequencing
- Next generation sequencing
- Applications of PCR and DNA sequencing
- Microbiology and virology
- Mycology and parasitology
- Dentistry
- Forensic science
- Environmental microbiology
- Food and agriculture
Unit 4 – More complex non-mendelian inheritance
- Complex genetic inheritance
- Cytoplasmic inheritance
- Polygenic inheritance
- Gene conversion
- Crossing over of genetic material
- Epistasis
- Cytoplasmic inheritance
- Infectious heredity
- Mosaicism
- Sex-linked inheritance
- X-linked diseases
- Trinucleotide repeat disorders
Unit 5 – Epigenetics
- What is epigenetics?
- Mechanisms of epigenetics
- Histone modification
- DNA methylation
- MicroRNA (miRNA)
- Plant miRNAs
- Animal miRNAs
- Plant examples
- Livestock examples
Unit 6 – Genetic modification
- Defining genetically modified
- Gene editing: the next step in selective breeding
- RNAi
- Genetic recombination
- CRISPR-Cas 9
- Cloning
- Mutagenesis
- Radiation
- Viruses/other microorganisms
- Chemicals
- Alkylating agents & aromatic amines
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH):
- Spontaneous mutations
- Horticultural application of mutagenesis
Unit 7 – Genome editing and ethical considerations
- Gene therapy and genome editing
- Somatic vs germline gene editing
- How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished?
- Questions about GM foods and Health
- GM regulation
- Ethical considerations
- Safety
- Informed consent
- Justice and equality
- Potential of eugenics
Unit 8 – Genomics and crop development
- Breed better yielding crop varieties
- The study of genomics
- Genetic technology in agriculture
- Uses of genetic technologies
- Crop phenotyping
- Evaluating and preserving germplasm
- Predicting vigour
- Improving quality
- Predicting how crops will respond to stress
- Looking at the effectiveness of fertilisers
- Climate change and agriculture
- Genetically modified plants
- Types of genetic modification
- Transgenic technology
- Cisgenic and subgenic
- Multiple trait integration
- Benefits to developing countries
- Improving yield
- Hunger and poverty
- Human health
- Malnutrition and biofortification
- Vitamin enrichment
- Toxin reduction
- GM crops
- Genetically modified cotton, canola and corn
- Cut flower industry
- GM bioluminescence
- GM sugarcane using crispr-cas9
- GM turfgrass
Unit 9 – Genomics and Livestock Development
- Animal modification
- Genomics in livestock
- Heritability
- Trait selection
- Cloning
- Herd management
- Transgenic animals
- Other animal genomics programs
- Immune competence in cattle
Unit 10 – Genomics and Human Health
- The human genome project (HGP)
- Human health and disease
- Genome wide association studies
- Genetic risk factors
- Polygenic risk score
- Health hereditary
- Animal models
- Personalised medicine
- Pharmacogenetics
- Personalised wellness
- Human microbiome
- Case study – disease detection – Covid-19
- Case study – genetic mutation
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Crispr non-therapeutic uses
- Case study – genetic testing for cancer
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. 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.
Career Pathways
- Genetic Engineer (further study)
- Research Assistant
- Researcher
- Scientist (further study)
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