Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module introduces students to practical skills essential to students studying genetics. Students learn how to use the E. coli bacterium to clone DNA and how to use the polymerase chain reaction in genetics analysis. They also use computer aided learning to study genetic linkage.

The module will also highlight the importance of laboratory health and safety.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Genetics practical skills module consists of laboratory-based practicals on the following topics: genetic transformation of E. coli; genotype analysis; gene linkage.

The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad students. Students on other programmes in the School
of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011 (Professional and Practical Skills for Bioscientists)

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Explain the underlying principles of a number of essential practical techniques used to investigate genetics.
2. Describe health and safety precautions which need to be taken when working in genetics laboratories.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. Carry out a number of essential practical techniques used to investigate genetics.
2. Work safely in genetics laboratories (legal awareness).
3. Record and analyse biological data from experiments in genetics (critical thinking, data synthesis & numeracy)
4. Carry out scientific calculations relevant to genetics practical work (data synthesis & numeracy, problem solving)
5. Use computer aided learning packages to explore concepts in genetics practical work.
(use of computer application)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Practical classes will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety. Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting. Skills practised include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications.

Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts relevant to the practicals; preparation for practicals and completing assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Practical reports will test the students knowledge and understanding of practical techniques, ability to record and analyse biological data, ability to carry out scientific calculations and ability to use computer aided learning packages.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

The form of assessment will not vary from the original.

General Notes

N/A