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: prebiotic chemistry; 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)& multigene families.

Developmental and Medical Genetics: genetic analysis of human disease; modern methods of mapping susceptibility alleles; yeast as a human disease model; clinical genetics of complex diseases; ethics in Genetics.


The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad and exchange students. Students on other programmes in the School
of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

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

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.

Practicals will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety.

Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting.

Skills practised include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications.
Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts relevant to the practicals; preparation for practicals and completing assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assess 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 via Inspera.

Formative pre and post practical quizzes will support student's understanding of the theory and practical skills
associated with each of the 3 labs.

The lab report will help students knowledge and understanding off practical techniques, alongside their ability to record and analyse biological data.

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 Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.