BGM1004 : Genetics
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jeremy Brown
- Lecturer: Dr Damian Parry, Dr Yulia Yuzenkova, Mr Gareth Breese, Prof. Sir John Burn, Dr Joanna Elson, Professor Deborah Henderson, Dr Jim Stewart, Dr Simon Whitehall
- Other Staff: Dr Simon Bamforth, Dr Laura Maringele, Dr Helen Phillips, Dr Michael Jackson
- 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 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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; clinical genetics of complex diseases; ethics in Genetics
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 26 | 1:00 | 26:00 | In person |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:45 | 0:45 | Formative assessment (mid-semester). Invigilated via Inspera. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In person - Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 120:15 | 120:15 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Total | 150:00 |
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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | In person Inspera Invigilated: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions. |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetics | 1 |
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 | 1 | M | In person invigilated timed Inspera (45 minutes) quiz format. Maximum 45 questions. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end of semester quiz format questions 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.
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 Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BGM1004's Timetable