NES1300 : Genetics and Evolution
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Evelyn Jensen
- Lecturer: Dr Ankush Prashar
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- 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
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 cell cycles and division, inheritance patterns, alleles vs genes vs phenotypes, DNA structure and replication, expression of genetic information (transcription, RNA processing, translation), the regulation of gene expression, and applied biotechnological uses of molecular genetics (mutation and genetic screening, methods, and tools).
Evolution content includes introduction to the evolutionary processes of mutation, selection (including the types of selection), geneflow, genetic drift and nonrandom mating, and how evolution is measured as changes in allele frequencies. We then further explore how genetic variation arises within and between populations, how evolution is constrained, the basics of phylogenetics, and mechanisms of speciation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Exam completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Exam revision |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | 1 summative and 1 formative assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Preparation for practical |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 93:00 | 93:00 | Study of lectures, RECAP, Canvas, reading etc. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Routine lecture follow up |
| 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.
In practicals sessions can vary between 1 and 3 hours.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Exam comprise a digital component which consists of MCQs, or similar. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | A | 30 | Lab report (500 words) or similar written or practical assessment |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Interactive online quizzes or similar |
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 activities 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/
- NES1300's Timetable