Aims

The aims of this module are to;

• introduce the fundamental principles of Mendelian genetics, population genetics and current concepts of molecular and evolutionary genetics applied to bacteria and eukaryotes required by all bioscience students;
• provide an opportunity for students to interpret genetic information and work through problems in seminars, and relate their knowledge of genetics to laboratory classes in associated modules;
• increase awareness of human genetic diseases and the application of analytical techniques to their diagnosis and potential treatment.
• introduce some of the molecular and genetic techniques being used in the postgenomic
era of genetics as well as recent advances in genetic analysis including the use of model organisms
• provide sufficient knowledge and understanding of the subject to inform student choice to study genetics in phase 2 of the degree.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures and seminars will cover the following topics:

• Evolutionary genetics: ribozymes as candidate molecular fossils; molecular phylogenetics and population genetics.
• Molecular genetics: introduction to bacterial genetics; structure of the bacterial chromosome; comparative genomics; DNA replication and fidelity.
• Eukaryote and Human Genetics: model eukaryotic organisms for genetic analysis; organization of eukaryotic genomes; mitosis and meiosis; sex determination, eukaryotic genes and transcripts; inheritance; recombination & genetic diversity; genome evolution origin of new genes (de novo gene duplication and lateral gene transfer).
• Developmental and Medical Genetics: genetic analysis of human disease; modern methods of mapping susceptibility alleles; clinical genetics of complex diseases; ethics in Genetics

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

2. Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.

3. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester quiz format questions assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material.

The formative quiz format questions will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the format of a quiz format exam.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.