Module Descriptors
GENES & GENOMES
BIOL40485
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Gowland
Email: P.C.Gowland@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 32
Independent Study Hours: 118
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%
- CLASS-TEST weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
24 hours of tutor-led lectures with 36 hours of tutor-directed private study, 8 hours of practical exercises with 24 hours of analysis and reflective writing, 58 hours of self-directed independent study.
Module Indicative Content
The module will introduce and examine the fundamentals of inheritance in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells/organisms. Theoretically, we will consider the
replication of DNA,
flow of information from DNA to protein (transcription/translation),
organisation of the genome,
regulation of gene activity,
vertical transmission of genetic material, with particular reference to Mendelian principles of inheritance.
Additionally, basic concepts of population genetics will be introduced.
Practical exercises will address the inheritance of genetic traits in eukaryotes and the isolation of DNA, its separation in agarose gels and its visualisation.
replication of DNA,
flow of information from DNA to protein (transcription/translation),
organisation of the genome,
regulation of gene activity,
vertical transmission of genetic material, with particular reference to Mendelian principles of inheritance.
Additionally, basic concepts of population genetics will be introduced.
Practical exercises will address the inheritance of genetic traits in eukaryotes and the isolation of DNA, its separation in agarose gels and its visualisation.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
A practical portfolio containing evidence of work undertaken, analysis of data, and reflection on the quality and meaning of the data obtained (50%). (3)
An unseen class test of one hour?s duration (50%).
(1 & 2)
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via discussions in practical classes.
A practical portfolio containing evidence of work undertaken, analysis of data, and reflection on the quality and meaning of the data obtained (50%). (3)
An unseen class test of one hour?s duration (50%).
(1 & 2)
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via discussions in practical classes.
Module Resources
Suitably equipped laboratory
Module Texts
Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B. 2002. Biology. 6th Ed. Benjamin Cummings