BIO1020 : Genetics and Evolution
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Evelyn Jensen
- Lecturer: Dr Theresa Rueger
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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 transmission genetics, DNA structure and replication, expression of genetic information, and applied biotechnological uses of molecular genetics.
Evolution content includes introduction to molecular evolutionary concepts, the evolutionary history of earth, and evolution by selection and neutral processes.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | 1 summative and 1 formative assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Exam revision (calculated as 0.5h per hour of lecture time) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Exam completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Practicals |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Weekly drop in for Q&A on Zoom |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Routine lecture follow up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 2 | 1:30 | 3:00 | Preparation for practical |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 93:00 | 93:00 | Study of lectures, RECAP, Canvas, reading etc. |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 practicals introduce the necessary skills we are seeking to impart.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Exam comprise a PC component which consists of MCQs and problem solving questions and short essay questions to be answered on paper |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | A | 30 | Lab report (1,500 words) |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Interactive activity and report |
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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIO1020's Timetable