2025/26 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDM5111M Human Molecular Genetics

15 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Christine Diggle
Email: c.p.diggle@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

As per parent programme specification

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of key topics in human molecular genetics. These include genome structure and maintenance, inheritance patterns of single gene and complex disease, methods used in genetic research and clinically. The ethical and social implications of genetic investigations will also be covered.

Objectives

On completion of the module, students will be able to

- evaluate research in inherited diseases
- understand the biology of inheritance and the way that variation at all levels in the genome contributes to the development of inherited disease.
- consider social and ethical issues that arise from the use of genetic information in biomedical research
- appraise experimental methodology in the context of genetic research

Learning outcomes
LO1 Assess the impact of the human genome project and other genome/genetic projects, and relate this to our understanding of the organisation and function of the genome/potential ethical issues.
LO2 Critically appraise the scientific literature in the field of human molecular genetics and form independent views on areas of uncertainty or conflicting evidence.
LO3 Evaluate the methods used for mapping/identifying genes/variants involved in genetic disorders.
LO4 Comprehend and analyse data from molecular genetic experiments.

Skills Learning Outcomes

SLO1 Demonstrate proficiency using various search engines to gather relevant data and information related to biomedical research, as well as using software to analyse data and produce diagrams illustrating concepts for inclusion in written reports and oral presentations. (working, academic, digital skills)
SLO2 Demonstrate critical evaluation of literature relevant to biomedical research and the ability appraise key concepts related to experimental approaches in biomedical research. (academic skills)
SLO4 Demonstrate efficient time management in the preparation for tutorials, reading and critique of primary research papers, analysis of data, synthesising written work, generating digital presentations, and adhering to deadlines to submit the assessments.  (working, academic skills)
SLO5 Demonstrate the ability to present information in a clear, concise, and structured manner, both in a verbal and written form, and the ability to use visual aids appropriately to support written work and oral presentations.  (working, enterprise and academic skills)
SLO6 Demonstrate the ability to use the correct scientific language appropriate to their level of studies and good academic practice, including referencing and using their own language instead of plagiarizing. (academic skills)

Syllabus

Cell cycle and mitosis, DNA replication, DNA damage and repair, meiosis, recombination, genes in pedigrees, alleles, patterns of inheritance, types of constitutional genetic pathology, genomic architecture, genes in populations, recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning and mapping, genetic markers and linkage analysis, positional cloning, next generation sequencing, applications in clinical diagnosis and forensic medicine, genome projects.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Practical	3	2.50	7.50
Seminar	4	2.00	8.00
Private study hours			117.50
Total Contact hours			32.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback for the literature review will be provided following submission of a 1-page outline for the literature review.

During one of the tutorial sessions students will present a prepared poster. The poster content is based on the same topic selected for the summative literature review. Personal feedback will be provided in person and written.

Tutorial time is timetabled to complete the bioinformatic workbook, with a tutor present to provide support

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Coursework	Literature review outline	0.00
Coursework	Poster summarising the content of the literature review	0.00
Coursework	1 x 2500 word literature review	60.00
Coursework	Bioinformatic practical workbook	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

There is no compensation between assessments for this module, students must pass each individual assessment in order to pass the module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/01/2025

Disclaimer

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