University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ4Y-20-2 Title: APPLIED GENETICS Version: 4

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences

Valid from: September 2006 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: USSJJN-20-1 Genetics and Evolution

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

      • describe the range of current gene-based techniques used in genetic studies

      • discuss selected applications of current gene-based technology

      • appreciate the continuing development gene-based technology

      • explain the impact of gene–based technology on human society

      • have extended their practical experience of the use of gene-based techniques

Syllabus outline:

Overview

Overview of applied genetics; revision of basic genetic concepts and terminology; manipulating the genome – recombinant DNA technology.

Genome Mapping

Human genome structure; DNA types; approaches to mapping genes – functional and positional cloning; comparing physical and genetic maps; interpreting sequence data; Using model genomes to afford an insight into functional genomics; legal and ethical issues.

Genotyping

DNA variation within organisms; detecting specific DNA variants within individual genomes; disease diagnosis; genetic screening; DNA profiling; ethical and legal issues.

Population genetics

Allele frequencies, genetic equilibria, population mixing, genetic drift and gene flow.

Transgenic Organisms

Creating transgenic organisms; using the technology to study gene function and regulation; GM crops; transgenic mouse models for human disease; introduction to gene therapy; legal and ethical issues.

Developmental genetics

Stem cells; cell type specification in animals; patterning during embryogenesis; Hox genes in

drosophila and mammals; floral organ identity genes in Arabidopsis.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered as mix of lectures and integrated tutorial sessions – with computer-learning support together with a student centred case study and extended practical project.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

    • Lamb BC. The Applied Genetics of Plants, Animals, Humans and Fungi.

    • Russell, P.J. iGenetics.

    • Brown TA Genomes

    • Lodish, H, Berk, A, Zipursky, SL, Matsudaira, P, Baltimore, D and Darnell, J. Molecular Cell Biology.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50 % B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX3

Examination (3 Hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CS1

Case study

1

PROJ

Practical project

1

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX3

Examination (3 Hours)

1

     
     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CS1

Case Study

1

PROJ

Practical data analysis

1

     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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