Module Descriptors
GENETICS AND DIVERSITY
BIOL40681
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 4
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Baylee Jennings
Email: baylee.jennings@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 52
Independent Study Hours: 148
Total Learning Hours: 200
Pattern of Delivery
- Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
Sites
- Stoke Campus
Assessment
- Coursework - Genetics Workbook weighted at 50%
- Examination - 2 hour exam weighted at 50%
Module Details
Assessment Details
1. Genetics Workbook 50%
2. Examination 50% 2 hours
Genetics workbook. In class and electronically based formative exercises will help prepare the student for a successful completion of the workbook. [L.O. 1, 3]
Examination, short answer based to help the student display the scope of their learning generated from the teaching programme. [L.O. 2, 3]
2. Examination 50% 2 hours
Genetics workbook. In class and electronically based formative exercises will help prepare the student for a successful completion of the workbook. [L.O. 1, 3]
Examination, short answer based to help the student display the scope of their learning generated from the teaching programme. [L.O. 2, 3]
Texts
Biology, 2nd Edition (2018) Clark, Douglas and Choi. OpenStax, Digital, ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-52-4
Resources
Internet enabled computer
Module Learning Outcomes
1. On completion of this module you will be able to communicate an understanding of the fundamental biological concepts associated with the transmission of genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As well as selective pressures on population genetics.
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
2. żOn completion of this module you will be able to recognise representatives of the major forms of life and be able to utilise specific examples to illustrate and highlight specific biological areas.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
3. On completion of this module, you will be able to display the ability to evaluate and integrate various types of information from a variety of sources into a professionally appropriate written format.
Analysis
Reflection
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
2. żOn completion of this module you will be able to recognise representatives of the major forms of life and be able to utilise specific examples to illustrate and highlight specific biological areas.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
3. On completion of this module, you will be able to display the ability to evaluate and integrate various types of information from a variety of sources into a professionally appropriate written format.
Analysis
Reflection
Module Indicative Content
The module will explore a diversity of mechanisms utilised, adaptations found, and interactions encountered within the major extant taxa.
The initial stages of the module will consider the genetic transfer mechanisms of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and will also cover the basic foundations for further studies in genetic and epigenetic phenomena in the biosciences. We will go on to investigate selective pressures across specific populations, as well as, consideration of de novo mutations, genetic transfer, genetic disorders and population genetics.
The module will utilise a range of organisms with groups being used to best illustrate and highlight specific biological areas. For example, with bacteria areas explored will include structural and metabolic characteristics linked to nutritional diversity through to ecological considerations such as pathogenic interactions. “Worms” will be used to highlight both aspects of developmental biology and parasitic interactions, whilst mammals will amongst other things be used to illustrate some aspects of basic immunology. The intention is to cover the major traditional groupings of bacteria, Protista, fungi, plants and animals to illustrate metabolic, physiological and whole organism approaches to coping with a wide range of abiotic and biotic encounters.
The module will conclude with a consideration of the various interactions as selective agents linked to the diversity of organisms now found and allowing an appreciation of the impacts of gene transfer and genetics at the population level.
The module will have an implicit evolutionary backbone with major transitions in the history of life being examined and these transitions, potential "reasons" and subsequent adaptive radiation "linked" to the major groups of organisms, throughout the module the basic interactions of life will be stressed.
Within this organismal framework the module will also provide the underpinning, classification and taxonomic framework used by bioscientists.
The initial stages of the module will consider the genetic transfer mechanisms of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and will also cover the basic foundations for further studies in genetic and epigenetic phenomena in the biosciences. We will go on to investigate selective pressures across specific populations, as well as, consideration of de novo mutations, genetic transfer, genetic disorders and population genetics.
The module will utilise a range of organisms with groups being used to best illustrate and highlight specific biological areas. For example, with bacteria areas explored will include structural and metabolic characteristics linked to nutritional diversity through to ecological considerations such as pathogenic interactions. “Worms” will be used to highlight both aspects of developmental biology and parasitic interactions, whilst mammals will amongst other things be used to illustrate some aspects of basic immunology. The intention is to cover the major traditional groupings of bacteria, Protista, fungi, plants and animals to illustrate metabolic, physiological and whole organism approaches to coping with a wide range of abiotic and biotic encounters.
The module will conclude with a consideration of the various interactions as selective agents linked to the diversity of organisms now found and allowing an appreciation of the impacts of gene transfer and genetics at the population level.
The module will have an implicit evolutionary backbone with major transitions in the history of life being examined and these transitions, potential "reasons" and subsequent adaptive radiation "linked" to the major groups of organisms, throughout the module the basic interactions of life will be stressed.
Within this organismal framework the module will also provide the underpinning, classification and taxonomic framework used by bioscientists.
Module Web Descriptor
Genetics, evolution and diversity lay the foundations of life science education and enable advanced study of the life sciences in the 21st century. Understanding the concepts, the evolutionary drivers of life on the planet, will ultimately enable us to apply this knowledge to life saving and game changing bioscience technologies that have the power to enhance, remediate, manipulate, control and create life.
Module Learning Strategies
Activities during the face to face time and via Blackboard will provide a means of support where you will be able to reflect upon your development, feedback and progression within your studies. The module comprises sessions such as lectures, seminars and group activities such as workshop throughout the teaching weeks of the university calendar. The detailed schedule is published on the blackboard course pages at the start of the module and in the Module Handbook.