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Genetics - BIO00028C

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  • Department: Biology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Louise Jones
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

Genetics involves the study of genes, genetic variation and heredity and is of fundamental importance to all areas of biology. In the module we will examine the structure of nucleic acids and how the information coded in genomes is transcribed and then translated into proteins. We will consider heredity, including Mendelian genetics and human disease pedigrees before extending into how genes can interact to produce different phenotypes, and the important role of the environment. We will look at genetic variation, how it arises and how it changes over time. This will involve focusing on key concepts in population genetics and phylogenetics that give important insights into mechanisms of evolutionary change. The module will also consider the molecular tools that geneticists use and how these have been used to uncover the content of diverse genomes.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

The aim of the module is to establish a broad foundation in Genetics that can be built upon in subsequent modules. We will focus on core concepts of molecular, classical and population genetics and use diverse examples relevant across the biological and biomedical sciences. There will be a strong emphasis on developing problem solving skills. We will use case studies to connect concepts across the module and also to highlight ethical issues in research and clinical genetics.

Module learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:

Recognize how the structure of nucleic acids relates to function

Solve molecular biology problems by applying knowledge of DNA replication, transcription, translation and DNA manipulation techniques

Solve basic Mendelian genetics problems by applying knowledge of how genetic material is transmitted

Explain how interactions between genes, and between genes and the environment, can influence phenotype, and interpret examples of genetic inheritance

Explain the main processes that lead to evolutionary change, and employ simple population genetics and phylogenetic methods to illustrate them

Assess ethical issues in genetics

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Genetics		 6 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Genetics		 6 hours 100

Module feedback

Marks for all summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

For exam-style summative assessment, model answers will be provided for all questions along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Marks achieved per question will be added to your script.

For coursework assessments (eg. reports or essays) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.

During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.

Indicative reading

These are available through the VLE module site.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.