Module BIOL1171: Genetics

Department: Biosciences

BIOL1171: Genetics

Prerequisites

• A Level Biology OR Chemistry

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To review the development of genetics as a science, from the experiments of Mendel to genome sequencing.
• To introduce the processes that link genotype to phenotype in living organisms.
• To provide an overview of the current technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation.

Content

• Mendelian Genetics to Molecular genetics.
• Molecular aspects of storage and transmission of genetic information, including nucleic acid structure, DNA replication and genome characterisation.
• Expression and translation of genetic information.
• Gene cloning and bioinformatics.
• Genetic variation and mutation and impact of genotype on phenotype.

Learning Outcomes

• Basic knowledge of the role of genetics in determining characteristics of living organisms, how genetic information is maintained and transmitted to offspring, and the molecular basis of genetic information.
• Basic knowledge of how genetic information is translated into the phenotypes of organisms through the processes of transcription, and translation.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology and its applications in genetic analysis and genetic manipulation.

• To be able to understand and report on experimental work in genetics, including studying and culturing living organisms and molecular biology.
• To be able to apply genetic principles to interpret data.
• To be able to apply simple bioinformatic tools to analyse nucleic acid sequences.

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculation involved in genetics problems.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical assignments are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.
• Problem exercises demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to genetics and molecular biology.
• On campus written examination demonstrates achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, with an emphasis on demonstrating understanding of key concepts.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Work associated with non-summatively assessed practicals and workshops. Progress test to allow students to consolidate learning in a formative format.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.