University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ4C-20-2 Title: MOLECULAR GENETICS Version: 8

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:

      • compare the structure and organisation of genomes within organisms

      • contrast the basic processes of gene expression and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

      • review the current techniques used for the isolation, manipulation, cloning and characterisation of genes and their products within organisms

      • describe current and potential applications of molecular genetics and ethical issues raised

      • have acquired an appreciation of the research process through gaining practical experience of molecular genetics and be able to interpret data obtained from such

      • use appropriate information technology resources to seek retrieve and interpret subject specific material

Syllabus outline:

      • Genes and Gene Expression.

      Genes revealed. Perpetuating DNA. Translating genes into traits (gene expression). Switching genes on and off

      • Gene Cloning and Manipulation.

      Basic skills/tools of a gene cloner. Gene isolation. Gene characterisation. PCR - the alternative to cloning. Studying large genomes. Applications of gene cloning and issues raised

      • Topic Studies in bacterial , plant and human molecular genetics

Teaching and learning methods:

    The module will be delivered as an appropriate mix of lectures, extended practical exercises, tutorials and student-centred learning activities.

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.

      • Russell PJ. i Genetics Pearson Education. 2006

      • Brown TA. Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis. Blackwell. 2006 (5th Edition)

      • Brown TA. Genetics – A Molecular Approach. Chapman and Hall. 2005 (3rd Edition)

      • Primrose SB & RM Twyman. Principles of Gene Manipulation & Genomics. Blackwell.

    2007 (7thEdition)

Ÿ Robinson TR. Genetics for Dummies. Wiley 2005

    Ÿ Turner et al. Molecular Biology – Instant Notes. Wiley. 2005 (3rd Edition)

      • Brown TA. Genomes 3. Bios. 2007

      • Ridley M. Genome. Fourth Estate UK. 2000.

      • Ridley M. Nature via Nurture. Fourth Estate. 2003

      • Wilmut I & R Highfield. After Dolly. Little Brown. 2006

      • Watson J. DNA. Arrow 2004

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

EPR

Extended practical report

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

DI1

Data Interpretation

1

     
 

 

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

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

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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