The module is delivered entirely in a VLE as nine activities over nine weeks. Directed independent problem-solving/tasks, to include distributed learning material, guided reading and completion of assessment tasks will occupy the students' time. The activities will guide extensive independent and directed study by the student. A key text will provide the basic structure and fundamental aspects of the course and the activities will develop depth from this basic background through exploration of the numerous web-sites associated with molecular genetics.
Assessment will be by the submission of three pieces of work related to the activities.
The tutor can be contacted to clarify or discuss the work via telephone or e-mail. Within the VLE a discussion group will also provide for student -student or student -tutor contact.

Formative feedback will be given over the portfolio of tasks associated with the module topics. Discussion between students will be encouraged allowing peer and tutor feedback to be given.

Summative:- Coursework 100% distributed as follows:

Portfolio of shorter tasks related to the molecular pathology of the gene (1, 2, 3 5). 60%.

A critical essay discussing the current and potential impact of molecular biology on the understanding and treatment of a chosen genetic disease (1,2,3, 4). 40%

Full details of assessment are provided in the module handbook

PASS CRITERIA - Grade Points 7 - 9. Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the fundamental concepts, evidence of working beyond delivered material with good use of relevant procedures/examples. Tasks competently completed.
Structure is appropriate although there are weaknesses.

MERIT CRITERIA - Grade Points 10 - 12. Showing breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, well balanced and relevant , able to represent findings/arguments in a clear, coherent manner with supporting evidence. Well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the key questions. Evidence of wide reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature. Good synthesis and evaluation. Theory and practice well linked.

DISTINCTION CRITERIA - Grade Points 13 - 15. Substantial evidence of originality and creativity in response. Shows all the qualities of accomplished work, but exhibits them to a high degree. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Much evidence of well incorporated background reading from the literature, beyond the study guide. Excellent use of relevant procedures/examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed with presentation and structure of a very high quality.

PCs with access to the internet, to access genomic databases and analytical programs.
Access to library resources including BIDS, Athens etc..

The key text is:-

P.Sudbery (2002) Human Molecular Genetics, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-130-42811-6.

You may also find the following texts useful

T. Strachan & A. P. Read, Human Molecular Genetics 2nd ed., 1999. Bios Scientific Publishers. ISBN 1-85996-202-5.

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Robrts, K., Walter, P. (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition. Garland Science. ISBN 0-8153-4072-9

The module covers the contribution of molecular genetics to modern medicine. A major theme will be the molecular basis of genetic diseases, the origin and types of mutations and their potential phenotypic consequences. Single gene diseases will be considered along with imprinting and epigenetic phenomena which may impact on their severity. Gene Control through transcriptional regulation - activation and repression and the mechanisms of transcriptional control in eukaryotes will be reviewed along with the role of gene regulation in disease.
Positional cloning as a major method of isolating human genes will be covered along with the medical potential of the human genome project. The use of cloned genes in diagnosis and potential treatment will lead to discussions in the power of molecular genetics in post and pre natal diagnosis and the ethical problems arising from this and the treatment of genetic diseases and current work with gene therapy and its future potential.