BIO1020 : Genetics and Evolution
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tahar Taybi
- Lecturer: Dr Ankush Prashar
- 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 principles and their application in biology.
To give an introduction to the concepts and principles of inheritance of genetic characters, their recombination and linkages.
To give a basic understanding of the genetic code and the replication of DNA.
To outline how genes are expressed into proteins, via transcription and translation.
To review the methods used to study the genetic material and how these methods are used in different applications.
To review the evidence for evolution from the fossil record, earth history, and comparisons of living organisms in terms of structure, function and genetic constitution.
To outline mechanisms for evolution, especially in terms of artificial and natural selection and genetic drift.
To explore the observational and experimental evidence for the role of these mechanisms in causing evolution.
Outline Of Syllabus
Genetics content
• Introduction to the module: key elements of genetics and evolution.
• Mitosis and meiosis: Cell cycle and chromosome replication.
• Recombination and segregation, the basis of variability.
• Transmission (Mendelian) Genetics: Key concepts and vocabulary.
• Molecular genetics: Introduction to molecular genetics, DNA structure, Genomes, packaging of DNA, DNA replication.
• DNA-RNA-Protein: The process of protein synthesis, transcription, structure of RNA, RNA processing in eukaryotes, Architecture of eukaryotic genes, functional importance of processing events.
• Translation: Ribosome structure, RNA molecules, mechanism of protein synthesis.
• Regulation of gene expression, Eukaryotic regulation.
• Analytical techniques in molecular genetics and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
• Recombinant DNA technology: Components of the technology
Evolution content
• Genome size and evolution.
• The origin and evolutionary characteristics of chloroplasts and mitochondria..
• Molecular clocks and molecular evolution.
• Molecular evolution and phylogeny.
• Phylogenetic trees.
• Earth history, mass extinctions.
• Human evolution.
• Evolution by selection and drift.
• Natural selection.
• Causes of evolution, adaptive radiation, rates of evolution.
• The nature of variation and evolution without selection.
• Special types of selection and constraints on adaptation
• Speciation mechanisms.
• Sympatric speciation.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Revision of lecture material |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Two assessed lab reports (30%) plus two formative assessments |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Online via Canvas - lecture materials including short video and audio recordings plus PowerPoint s |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Online via Canvas - Lab material provided to students in a form of online documents before lab |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Home exam - to be submitted via Canvas/Turnitin |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 18 | 3:00 | 54:00 | Reading supporting material revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | PiP - Students will be present in the laboratory for practical sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 61:00 | 61:00 | Reading of text books and online papers |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Online - an online Zoom session given by a lecturer to recap a topic and answer student questions |
| 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 the group teaching activities and practical exercises, plus independent exercise work and worksheet exercises.
The practicals introduce the necessary skills we are seeking to impart
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 30 | 2 x Lab reports, 3000 words |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 70 | Take home exam - exam will consist of two problem solving/data interpretation questions and one essay question in each section |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | (3 x Problem solving and written exercises) |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Genetics Workshop computer assessment |
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