BIOL1171: GENETICS

• 'A' Level Biology OR Chemistry.

• None

• None

• To review the development of genetics as a science, from the experiments of Mendel to genome sequencing.
• To introduce the processes which link genotype to phenotype in living organisms.
• To provide an overview of the modern technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation.

• Classical (Mendelian) genetics and heredity.
• Molecular aspects of storage and transmission of genetic information, including nucleic acid structure, replication and genome characterisation.
• Expression and translation of genetic information.
• Gene cloning and bioinformatics.
• Genetic variation and genetic fingerprinting.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of the role of genetics in determining characteristics of living organisms, how genetic information is maintained and transmitted to offspring, and the molecular basis of genetic information.
• Basic knowledge of how genetic information is translated into the phenotypes of organisms through the processes of transcription, and translation.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology and its applications in genetic analysis and manipulation.

Subject-specific Skills:

• To be able to understand and report on experimental work in genetics, including studying and culturing living organisms and molecular biology.
• To be able to apply problem-solving skills to practical problems in genetics, including the use of mathematic and statistics.

Key Skills:

• Numeracy, in data analysis, statistics, and calculation involved in genetics problems.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in genetics practical reports.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical assignments are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.
• Problem exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to genetics and molecular biology.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

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