Introduction to Genetics
| Module title | Introduction to Genetics |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU1007 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Patrick Hamilton (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| 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; they fundamentally shape all biological processes.
In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental genetic components of the cell and explore how genetic information is stored in eukaryotic cells. You will consider how this information is replicated, how gene expression is regulated, how hereditary patterns arise and how population genetics and evolution contribute to human diversity. These genetic processes will be illustrated wherever possible with Neuroscientific examples. Modern techniques in gene editing, 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 observe laboratory demonstrations and have opportunities to explore experimental results.
This is a core module for the 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 laboratory demonstrations. The module will discuss topics including DNA structure and organisation, DNA replication, gene regulation, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of DNA variation and hereditary patterns.
The theory of various techniques used to study genetics will be discussed to complement the laboratory demonstrations.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe the landmark studies that led to the identification of DNA as the molecule of inheritance, its structure, its replication and describe how gene expression is regulated.
- 2. Illustrate the origin of genetic variation and how genetic approaches are used to understand evolution and determine the function of genes.
- 3. Explain the genetic basis for the hereditary patterns and describe how these relate to human traits and diseases.
- 4. Describe the currently used methods that are used to sequence DNA and identify genes and genetic variants associated with disease.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Perform laboratory techniques that are commonly used to study genetics.
- 6. Conduct DNA sequence analysis to identify the genetic basis of human diseases and explain how this relates to inherited disorders with a neurological aetiology
- 7. Use appropriate statistical and graphical techniques to analyse genetic and phenotypic frequencies in human populations.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Communicate ideas and report results effectively by written means
- 9. Identify appropriate information from various relevant sources including teaching material, the scientific literature, and the internet
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 sessions; laboratory practicals/demonstrations; and question and answer sessions. Knowledge and application of the course content will be assessed by an exam with both multiple-choice questions and questions with numerical answers (62%), practical problem sets, and through quizzes based on practicals and computer workshops.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 127 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | Synchronous learning including lectures and activities/workshops related to lecture content (20x 1h) |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 6 | Computer workshops: analysis of genetic data |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 6 | Laboratory practicals including analysis of genetic data (2 x 3h) |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam style MCQ quizzes | 1.5 hr | 1-9 | Online model answers |
| Genetic practical problem sets | 4 x 1 hours | 1-9 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 62 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical problem set 1. To be submitted online | 10 | Problems based on the laboratory sessions and workshop, each involving data analysis & ~2-3 questions (~200 words per question) | 1-9 | Written feedback |
| Practical problem set 2. To be submitted online | 10 | Problems based on the laboratory sessions and workshops, each involving data analysis & ~2-3 questions (~200 words or equivalent per question) | 1-9 | Written feedback |
| Quizzes based on practical problem sets and workshops | 18 | 3 x 1 hour | 1-9 | Verbal feedback on request |
| Examination with both MCQ questions and questions with numerical answers | 62 | 1.5 hours | 1-9 | Mark; verbal on request |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical problem set 1 (10%). | Practical problem set 1 | 1-9 | August referral/deferral period |
| Practical problem set 2 (10%). | Practical problem set 2 | 1-9 | August referral/deferral period |
| Quizzes based on practical problem sets and workshops (18%), 3x1 hour | One combined quiz based on practical problem sets and workshops. | 1-9 | August referral/deferral period |
| Examination with both MCQ questions and questions with numerical answers (62%); | Examination with both MCQ questions and questions with numerical answers (1.5 hours) | 1-9 | August referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
In case of referral for the quiz assessment, a student would take a single combined quiz based on all practicals during the ref/def period. If a student misses two or more in-class quizzes with mitigation, then the student will be deferred to take the single combined quiz during the ref/def period. If a student misses a single in-class test, with mitigation, their overall mark for this element will be based on the mean percentage score of the quizzes taken.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Emery’s Elements of Medical Genetics (15th Edition) Elsevier. – Chapter 1 of this book provides a concise introduction into the history and impact of genetics in medicine.
Russell PJ (2014) iGenetics: Pearson New International Edition: A Molecular Approach – This book explains key concepts from this course at the right level.
Alberts B et al. (2015) Molecular Biology of the Cell (7th Edition) – This enormous book goes into great depth - more than is required for this course - but the explanations and diagrams are excellent. Chapter 1, “Cells and Genomes” from page 10 brings together key concepts covered in this course in an accessible way.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | N/A |
| Module co-requisites | N/A |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2021 |
| Last revision date | 03/05/2023 |
