NES1300 : Genetics and Evolution
NES1300 : Genetics and Evolution
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Evelyn Jensen
- Lecturer: Dr Ankush Prashar
- Practical Supervisor: Dr Eleanor Jones
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
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.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
o Use the basic vocabulary of genetics.
o Understand the history of genetic discoveries through to modern times.
o Recognise the role of DNA as the genetic material.
o Explain the connection between genes and proteins (genotype and phenotype).
o Explain evolutionary biology based upon conceptual understanding, as well as factual knowledge dealing
with morphology, molecular genetics, ecology, biogeography and paleobiology.
o Appreciate the processes and mechanisms of evolution.
o Indicate from case studies the role of these processes in evolution, both past and present.
This module provides the basis for other modules.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Apply knowledge of modes of inheritance to predict genotypes from the phenotypes observed in pedigrees
and solve other genetic problems.
• Be able to use standard molecular laboratory equipment to perform tasks (e.g. pipetting, making an
agarose gel)
• Think about the operation of mechanisms of evolution and apply such concepts to all aspects of biology.
• Develop a constructively critical approach to hypothesis-testing and assess the qualities of scientific
evidence.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Weekly formative quizzes |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Exam completion |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | Lectures |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Exam revision (calculated as 0.5h per hour of lecture time) |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 1 summative assessment |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Practicals (between 1 and 3 hours in length) |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Preparation for practical |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 75:00 | 75:00 | Study of lectures, RECAP, Canvas, reading etc. |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | Routine lecture follow up |
Total | 200:00 |
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 practical's introduce the necessary skills we are seeking to impart.
In practical's sessions can vary between 1 and 3 hours.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Exam comprise a digital component which consists of MCQs to be completed using the Inspira software |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Practical/lab report | 2 | A | 30 | Lab report (1,500 words) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Digital Examination | 2 | M | Optional canvas quizzes with multiple choice questions that are the same style and format as the final exam. |
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 tests are designed to assess the ability to understand and perform practical activities, record findings and interpret experimental results.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES1300's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES1300's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.