2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BLGY1232 Introduction to Genetics
10 creditsClass Size: 400
Module manager: Dr Andrew Cuming
Email: A.C.Cuming@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
A level Biology or equivalentModule replaces
BLGY1231This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Genetics is all you wanted to know about sex but never dared to ask! - What makes us human? - What makes us individual? - How different are we from each other? - How similar are we to other species? - Only Genetics provides the answers. We - and all other living organisms - are the product of the genetic information we contain. We pass that information on from one generation to the next in ever-changing combinations.This module describes the nature of the genetic material - DNA - and how it is transmitted from parents to offspring. The form and function of living organisms is determined by the genetic information they contain, and how that genetic information is interpreted. The diversity of living organisms derives from how their genetic content has changed, over hundreds of millions of years. We examine the way in which the genetic material encodes biological information, how that information is replicated and how it is expressed in a regulated manner within organisms. We also examine the technologies that allow us to isolate individual genes, sequence them, manipulate them, and analyse whole genomes. If you have a good understanding of Biology, are curious about the secrets of life and are ready for an intellectual challenge, then this module is for you.Objectives
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
- have a basic knowledge of inheritance in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and their viruses at the molecular, cellular and organismal
level;
- understand the experimental basis of key genetic conclusions.
Syllabus
The module provides an introduction to genetics with particular emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms, and covers the principle features of the transmission, replication, modification and expression of genetic information in prokaryotes and their viruses, and in eukaryotes.
Subjects covered include:
- the replication of DNA
- the modification of DNA by recombination, by mutation, by transposition and in the laboratory
- patterns of inheritance in bacteria
- in viruses
- in eukaryotic microbes and in higher organisms (including humans), gene/environment interactions
- the regulation of gene expression in viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes
- genetic switches
- the genetic regulation of development.
The module introduces the basic methods used in genetic engineering and molecular genetic analysis.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 32 | 1.00 | 32.00 |
| Private study hours | 68.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
68 hours - recommended reading around lecture material, preparation for in-course assessments, workshops and preparation for the exam.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Two in-course assessments, and two problem solving exercises will assess student performance during the course.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course MCQ | 30 question MCQ | 10.00 |
| In-course MCQ | 30 question MCQ | 10.00 |
| Problem Sheet | Analysis of genetic data | 10.00 |
| Problem Sheet | Analysis of genetic data | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
Formative assessments: Two in-course assessments, and two problem solving exercises.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 04/04/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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