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Module

BMD2020 : Nature’s Tinkerer: Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Joanna Elson
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Jim Stewart
  • Lecturer: Professor Robert Hirt, Dr Mauro Santibanez Koref
  • 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 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The aim of this module is to:



Introduce students to basic population genetic theory, modern evolutionary theory and their applications.

Introduce students to molecular phylogenetic methods and tree building using sequence alignments to assess genetic information and biological mechanisms related to gene, population, and organismal evolution.

Develop and enhance a students’ ability to comprehend disease mechanisms, develop treatments, and interpret complex genetic data within a broader biological context.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered by this module include:



Evolutionary forces acting at organismal and species level

Phylogenetics of human origins, and including the methodology used to conduct these studies.

The origin and diversification of eukaryote cells and genomes (nuclear and organellar)

The evolution of pathogens

Forced molecular evolution; making new enzymes for biotechnology

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture181:0018:00Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion176:0076:00Assessment preparation and completion
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical23:006:00Computer practicals to develop data manipulation, analysis skills & apply theoretical knowledge
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1100:00100:00Extended reading to enhance understanding of lecture and practical materials
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures a formal taught session to the whole cohort which consists largely of the exposition of theory, themes, methodologies and techniques. These will form the basis of a student’s understanding of a subject.



Computational-based practicals will provide hands-on experience of a range of computational techniques used to record and analyse data. These practicals will enable students to problem-solve with real-world data, reinforcing theoretical concepts. 



Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references.



In-course assessments (essays) will teach students time management and organisation and encourage independent working as well as supporting their understanding of the subject

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A60Invigilated. Closed book, 2 essay questions to be answered from a choice of 4.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M40Written report relating to key topic from recent literature. Includes re-analysis of published data (1500 words max)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end-of-module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of course material.



Extended essay: this will enable students to demonstrate critical thinking and reading in the subject area. It will test the students' ability to analyse, present and interpret molecular phylogenetic data, and their written presentation skill Feedback on the extended essay will help improve student’s writing skills for future assessments.

Reading Lists

Timetable