University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USSJ4U-10-2 Title: GENETICS L2 Version: 6

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 10 ECTS credit rating: 5

Module type: STANDARD

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2006 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

      • relate DNA structure to function and describe the basic features of gene structure and expression

      • explain how genetic material can be altered by natural and manipulated means

      • describe the modes of inheritance of characteristics

      • undertake basic genetic analysis through interpreting experimental data

      • have acquired practical experience of typical genetic phenomena

      • understand and implement good laboratory practice

      • discuss current applications of genetics and the ethical issues raised

      • consider the environmental influence on phenotypes.

Syllabus outline:

      • Studying genes. Genetics in context - genes, expectations and realities. The genetic material and genomes. DNA photocopying - the replication of DNA. Decoding the messages within the genes - gene expression: transcription and translation. Altering the genetic material- mutation, recombination and gene cloning

      • Inheriting genes. What Mendel discovered and how molecular genetics relates to Mendel. Variation upon a Mendelian theme. The phenomenon of linkage - mapping genes. Gene inheritance patterns in humans and molecular approaches to diagnosing genetic disease. Population genetics and evolution. Nature versus nurture, quantitative inheritance and heritability, eugenics.

Teaching and learning methods:

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

      • Key skills particularly focused in the various learning activities will be: investigative skills and information synthesis in case study, laboratory skills and data analysis and teamwork in practicals, reflection, conceptualisation and information assimilation in lectures and applying knowledge gained, communication and presentation skills in tutorials, practicals and examination.

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. Genetics. iGenetics A Molecular Approach (Second Edition) 2006

    & iGenetics A Mendelian Approach, 2006. Pearson Ed. Inc. USA

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

      • Hartwell LH et al. Genetics – from Genes to Genomes. (2nd Edition) McGraw Hill 2004

      • Robinson TR. Genetics for Dummies. Wiley USA 2005

      • Winter PC et al. Instant Notes in Genetics (2nd edition) Bios UK 2002

      • Jones S. The Language of the Genes. Flamingo UK 2000

      • Ridley M. Genome Fourth Estate UK 2000

      • Watson J. DNA. Arrow UK 2004

      • Mawer S. Mendel’s Dwarf Anchor. UK. 1997

      • Marantz Henig R. A Monk and Two Peas. Weidenfeld & Nicolson UK 2000

      • Chiu LS. When a Gene Makes you Smell like a Fish. OUP UK 2006

      • Ridley M Nature via Nurture. Fourth Estate UK 2003

Assessment

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

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

EX2

Element 1 - Examination (2Hours)

1

     
     
 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CS1

Element 1 - Genes case study

1

   

     
 

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

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

EX2

Element 1 - Examination (2 Hours)

1

     
     
 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

CS1

Element 1 - Genes case study

1

     
     
 

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

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

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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