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2020/21 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 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

A level Biology or equivalent

Module replaces

BLGY1231

This 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

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.

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.

Skills outcomes
Teamworking is an important transferable skill, and in this module you will be undertaking four "open book" assessed exercises, based on problem solving and knowledge and understanding of Genetics.

Syllabus

The module introduces the basic methods used in genetic engineering, genome sequencing and molecular genetic analysis.

Subjects covered include:
- the transmission of genetic information;
- 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;
- genetic disorders and their basis;
- the regulation of gene expression in viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes;
- genetic switches;
- the genetic regulation of development.

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

Four in-course MRQ assessments (2 on knowledge and understanding and 2 problem solving exercises) will assess student performance during the course.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	20 question MRQ test via Minerva (knowledge & understanding)	25.00
In-course MCQ	20 question MRQ test via Minerva (knowledge & understanding)	25.00
Problem Sheet	20 question MRQ test via Minerva (Analysis of genetic data)	25.00
Problem Sheet	20 question MRQ test via Minerva (Analysis of genetic data)	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Summative MRQ tests will be delivered in Minerva, to be completed within a 48 hour time-frame as a single attempt, restricted to a defined duration once the test starts.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 11/02/2021

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