BGM2058 : Evolution
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Michael Jackson
- Lecturer: Dr Joanna Elson, Dr Mauro Santibanez Koref, Professor Robert Hirt
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- 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 | |
Aims
This module aims to provide insight into modern evolutionary theory, enabling students to evaluate genetic information and biological mechanisms in the context of gene, population, and organism evolution. It will also give students the opportunity to build and interpret molecular phylogenetic trees, and consider the conceptual challenges and limitations of these analyses which have become central to our understanding of life on earth.
Outline Of Syllabus
In broad terms this module provides insight into genetic systems and the control of variation and speciation, and will cover the following topics:
- Evolutionary forces acting at organismal level, speciation
- Basic population genetic theory and its application
- Molecular phylogenetic methods and tree building using sequence alignments
- Phylogenetics of human origins, recent studies of mtDNA in human populations and the methods used to conduct these studies, the HIV and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics
- The origin and diversification of eukaryote cells and genomes (nuclear and organellar)
- Forced molecular evolution; making new enzymes for biotechnology
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Non-sync online - core content delivered via short recordings/quizzes/problem solving exercises |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | In person - delivery of core content |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Student Prep for in course written assessment and revision for exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | Additional reading/activities linked with lecture material sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | In person -computer practicals to develop data manipulation, analysis skills & apply theoretical knowledge |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Sync online supporting each course section (discuss content/reinforce understanding/address queries) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 100:00 | 100:00 | Extended reading to enhance understanding of lecture and practical materials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Sync online overview of course rationale, structure & assessments |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures will provide the basic knowledge required to meet learning outcomes, which students can build upon through self-directed study. This material will be reinforced and integrated further by the online workshops and discussions.
The practicals, along with tasks within the lecture material, will enable students to apply their knowledge, formatively assess their understanding, and critically assess the evidence supporting evolutionary relationships, thereby meeting the module skills outcomes.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | in person invigilated Exam. 2 essay questions to be answered from a choice of 4. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 30 | Written report relating to key topic from recent literature. Includes re-analysis and interpretation of published data (800-1000 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment (written examination) is designed to test students understanding of the material delivered in the module.
The in course written report will enable students to investigate a topical area from the current literature. It will test the students' ability to analyse, present and interpret molecular phylogenetic data, and their written presentation skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BGM2058's Timetable