Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To develop a basic understanding of genetic and evolutionary principles and their application in biology.
To give an introduction to the concepts and principles of inheritance.
To give a basic understanding of the genetic code and how genes are expressed into proteins and the methods used to study genetic material and how these methods are used in different applications.
To develop a basic understanding of key evolutionary processes and mechanisms, including natural selection and neutral processes.
To explore the observational and experimental evidence for the role of these mechanisms in causing evolution.

Outline Of Syllabus

Genetics content includes themes covering the basics of cell cycles and division, inheritance patterns, alleles vs genes vs phenotypes, DNA structure and replication, expression of genetic information (transcription, RNA processing, translation), the regulation of gene expression, and applied biotechnological uses of molecular genetics (mutation and genetic screening, methods, and tools).


Evolution content includes introduction to the evolutionary processes of mutation, selection (including the types of selection), geneflow, genetic drift and nonrandom mating, and how evolution is measured as changes in allele frequencies. We then further explore how genetic variation arises within and between populations, how evolution is constrained, the basics of phylogenetics, and mechanisms of speciation.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application (developed and assessed): Develop fundamental biological knowledge and an awareness of genetics and evolution. Recognise the broad biological concepts that underpin the discipline and how these impact the world around them.

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC2 Information Literacy (assessed): Find and correctly interpret appropriate sources of information on scientific topics. Incorporate and reference sources appropriately within assignments.

PC3 Practical Skills (introduced and developed): Implement the scientific method and basic disciplinary practical techniques, specifically safe behaviour in the laboratory, use of equipment and standard protocols (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis).

PC4 Data Literacy (introduced): Identify, validate and visualise different types of data. Describe ways of managing data. Specifically, introduction of genetic data types, ability to observe and record genotypes.

PC5 Communication (developed and assessed): Comprehend and adopt appropriate academic language and conventions in order to communicate basic scientific concepts clearly, concisely & correctly in written assessments.

PC7 Ethics Literacy (introduced): Show awareness of and compliance with relevant ethical concepts that apply to a broad range of scientific knowledge (e.g. academic conduct, risk assessment, inclusivity and research ethics), within a structured environment. 

PC10 Integrated Problem Solving (developed): Appreciate the complexity of biological systems and the diversity of solutions and approaches that are required to further knowledge in the biological sciences.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The main body of factual information is delivered by means of lectures.
Some of the fundamental concepts are reinforced by practical exercises, plus independent exercise work and worksheet exercises.
The practicals introduce the necessary skills we are seeking to impart.
In practicals sessions can vary between 1 and 3 hours.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and practical materials together with the directed reading provide questions for formal assessment based on the knowledge acquired during these activities. The assessment will focus on testing depth and breadth of factual knowledge and general understanding of the concepts and implications in each subject area. The practical reports and in class activities are designed to assess the ability to understand and perform practical activities, record findings and interpret experimental results.

General Notes

N/A