Module Catalogue 2024/25

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

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 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.

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.

General Notes

N/A