Master of Molecular Genetic Analysis

DNA has become a buzzword in everyday use, most commonly represented to the community through the depiction of human forensic analysis in countless television crime shows. Gathering genetic data is becoming faster and easier, now we need new ways to analyse the data. Skills in molecular genetic analysis are crucial. There is a growing demand for scientists who can combine laboratory and computing skills and consider genetic information from both a statistical and biological point of view. The new Master of Molecular Genetic Analysis builds on a series of highly successful national graduate workshops on population genetic analysis offered by the ANU College of Science over the past decade. It provides a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, laboratory skills, and computing techniques – arming students with the intellectual tools they will need to design, carry out and interpret molecular genetic analysis.

"Gathering genetic data is becoming faster and easier, now we need new ways to analyse the data. Skills in molecular genetic analysis are crucial."

The combination of molecular technology and computer analysis skills offers students a competitive advantage in the proficiency of detailed interpretation and analysis. As a Masters by coursework the one year program is delivered by a combination of lectures and practical courses and intensive workshops taught by staff at the cutting edge of new developments in techniques of genetic data analysis. The Masters program will provide an essential grounding for students to understand and apply molecular genetic analysis tools to fundamental and applied research questions in fields ranging from behavioural and molecular ecology, population genetics, conservation and evolutionary biology.

The degree structure offers some capacity to tailor the program to meet specific needs and interests of each student. It aims to give students a firm knowledge of population ecology, population genetics, and molecular evolution, as well as molecular marker genetic analysis technologies and advanced analytical, statistical and computing skills. Students will also have the opportunity to enhance their research skills in experimental design, interpretation, synthesis and critical evaluation of literature. The applied fields that utilise the molecular genetic tools covered in the Masters course are as diverse as they are limitless. They include conservation and wildlife management, plant and animal breeding, pathogen epidemiology and evolution, taxonomy and biodiversity development, biosecurity and infectious disease management, and forensic analysis.

• Population genetics: DNA analysis in the laboratory combined with advanced molecular genetic analysis skills allows a conservation biologist to enumerate the population of endangered species from non-invasive samples. That is what Monica Ruibal has achieved as part of her PhD project at ANU in which she used DNA from scats of the rare and elusive endangered quoll to quantify their population without trapping.
• Molecular epidemiology: A better understanding of the epidemiology of pathogens and their risks will underpin the disease control and biosecurity programs we implement in response to the diseases which are a threat to human, animal and plant health. ANU research led by Celeste Linde on the origin of a fungal plant pathogens will enable novel resistance genes to be incorporated into cereals for disease control.
• Molecular evolution: The phenomenal growth of DNA databases now makes it possible to answer questions that were previously impossible – from the origins of new emerging diseases to the deep history of the biosphere. This growth has seen a greater demand for scientists that can combine laboratory and computing skills and who can consider genetic information from both a statistical and biological point of view. ANU research led by Lindell Bromham has included a focus on looking at the DNA sequence in an evolutionary light and developing new analytical tools for reading the story recorded in DNA.

Why study at ANU?
With more than its fair share of Australia’s best researchers and educators, ANU provides distinctive and inspiring research-led education. Founded as Australia’s centre for world-class research, ANU researchers and their work have led the University to be ranked as Australia’s number one. ANU teaching excellence has also been recognised with the top Australian rankings for its educational programs two years in a row.

Why the ANU College of Science?
The ANU achievements in research and education are manifest in the quality of learning and opportunities provided by the College of Science. In addition to the university’s own lecturers and staff, there are much larger numbers of research students and grant-employed staff than is usual elsewhere. Their input and participation in courses – and the collaboration with other leading national research bodies – makes ANU one of the most exciting places in the world to study the sciences.

Interested in learning more?
For more information about studying the Master of Molecular Genetic Analysis or to submit an application contact:
mmga.gradprog@anu.edu.au

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For details of the courses and their structure please see:
http://studyat.anu.edu.au/programs/7613XMMGA+;study_options.html

For more information about the ANU, College of Science and School of Botany and Zoology please see the following:
http://www.anu.edu.au/
http://cos.anu.edu.au/
http://www.anu.edu.au/BoZo/