Module Catalogue 2024/25

BMN1003 : Genetics

BMN1003 : Genetics

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Roshan Mascarenhas
  • Lecturer: Mr Kok Lun Pang, Dr Nurul Uyun Abdul Aziz, Dr Nadine Nograles, Dr Pamela Knight
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Malaysia
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credits: 8.0
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

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; yeast as a human disease model; clinical genetics of complex diseases; ethics in Genetics

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Relate DNA, RNA and proteins in our understanding of genetics and how variation introduced through mutation and gene transfer affect phenotype.

2. Recognise the similarities and differences between bacterial and eukaryotic chromosomes and organisation of the transcriptional unit.

3. Compare and contrast meiosis and mitosis and identify mechanisms used in the control of the cell cycle.

4. Identify different model organisms used for genetic manipulation, the molecular techniques used in recombinant DNA technology and genome sequencing, and provide examples of their use to identify and predict human genetic disease.

5. Recognise the significance of gene linkage, gene mapping, assortment, sex determination and gene dominance in variation and evolution.

6. Discuss the ethical and social considerations associated with genetics.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Independently locate information about Genetics via the library, VLE and online material, to support and reinforce material taught in lectures (information literacy)

2. Work with peers in small groups to solve Genetics related problems in seminars (problem solving & collaboration)

3. Effectively communicate knowledge of Genetics, obtained from lectures and private study, to peers and staff during seminars (oral and interpersonal communication skills)

4. Determine the frequency of alleles in populations.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Formative class tests online via Inspera
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture261:0026:00In person lectures
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00In person seminars
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1120:00120:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading.
Total150:00
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.

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 Examination901A100In person Inspera Invigilated: quiz format, maximum 120 questions.
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 Examination1MIn person invigilated timed Inspera (45mins) Quiz format (maximum 45 questions.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination 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.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

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.