Introduction to Genetics
| Module title | Introduction to Genetics |
|---|---|
| Module code | CSC1007 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr David Allard (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 80 |
|---|
Module description
Genetics and the control of gene expression is the source of diversity both within the body and between individuals and controls many biological processes.
In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental genetic components of the cell and how the genetic information is stored in eukaryotic cells. You will consider how this information is replicated, regulation of gene expression, hereditary patterns and population genetics. These genetic processes will be illustrated where appropriate with examples from neurobiology and disease conditions.
Modern techniques in DNA sequencing and the exploration of gene diversity will be introduced, with examples from humans and other organisms.
To complement the theory of genetics covered in the lectures, you will also undertake laboratory practical work where you will be introduced to techniques to study human genetics and quantify experimental results.
This is a core module for first year students on the BSc Neuroscience programme.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module introduces you to core concepts in genetics and complements this theory with appropriate practical class sessions. The module will discuss topics including DNA structure and organisation, DNA replications, gene regulation, genetic engineering, the origins of DNA variation and hereditary patterns.
The theory of various techniques used to study genetics will be discussed to complement the laboratory practical class sessions.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain techniques used to study genetics.
- 2. Describe the structure of DNA and how it is replicated.
- 3. Describe how gene expression is regulated.
- 4. Describe genetic engineering.
- 5. Describe the origin of genetic variation.
- 6. Explain hereditary patterns and describe how these relate to human genetics.
- 7. Describe how DNA sequence relates to protein function
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Describe genetics and how this applies to neuroscience
- 9. Understand the fundamentals of human molecular genetics and how this relates to inherited disorders with a neurological aetiology
- 10. Begin to utilise appropriate techniques to analyse molecular genetics and interpret experimental results
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 11. Communicate ideas effectively by written and oral means
- 12. Begin to identify appropriate information from various relevant sources including teaching material, books and the internet
- 13. Develop skills for independent study
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
We will cover topics including
- DNA and chromosomes
- DNA to protein
- Control of gene expression
- Genetic technologies
- Mutagenesis and DNA damage repair
- Genetic variation
- Genetics patterns and principles of heredity
- Linkage and mapping
- Chromosome variations and sex determination
- Population genetics
- Evolution
These will be covered through lectures, data analysis and laboratory practical sessions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | Lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 12 | Genetic laboratory practical sessions including DNA extraction and PCR analysis, will reinforce concepts covered in lectures, emphasising the nature of scientific enquiry (4 x 3 hours) |
| Guided independent study | 70 | Lecture consolidation and reading |
| Guided independent study | 48 | Revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ test | 0.5hr | 1-9, 11-13 | Online model answers |
| Laboratory-based skills | 4 x 1 hours | 1-11 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic practical problem exam | 40 | 1.5 hours | 1-11 | Written feedback |
| MCQ examination | 60 | 1 hour | 1-9, 11-13 | Mark |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic practical problem sets (40%) | Genetic practical problem sets (individual) (1.5 hours) | 1-11 | August referral/deferral period |
| MCQ examination (60%) | Online MCQ examination (1 hour) | 1-9, 11-13 | August referral/deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Emery’s Elements of Medical Genetics (15th Edition) Elsevier.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 26/03/18 |
| Last revision date | 24/07/2019 |
