1. DEMONSTRATE CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF APPLICATIONS AT THE FOREFRONT OF GENETICS. 1. DEMONSTRATE CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF APPLICATIONS AT THE FOREFRONT OF GENETICS.
2. CRITICALLY EVALUATE PUBLISHED MATERIAL RELEVANT TO DEMONSTRATING UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS OF MODERN GENETICS BEING DISCUSSED.
3. INTEGRATE MATERIAL FROM A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT SOURCES LEADING TO THE GENERATION OF A CONSIDERED AND WELL ARGUED OPINION.

Genetic and molecular biology are currently very fast moving fields. This module aims to provide a look at or near the forefront of genetic research and applications. This will be built upon material covered, of a more established nature, earlier in the course. To some extent the content will reflect topical issues and there must be some fluidity in content however it is envisaged that the following topics will be covered. One of these will be covered in depth to the limits of current understanding¿

- Epigenetics¿
- Genomic imprinting¿
- Advanced gene regulation -¿
- Interfering RNA and micro RNA regulation¿
- RNA editing¿
- Stem cell genetics and genetic aspects of development¿
- Systems biology

The Masters in Molecular Biology is delivered on campus through a combination of lectures workshops and practical classes alongside directed self-study. The workshop activities will guide extensive directed independent study by the student.¿These directed independent tasks will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of the background of, as well as developing an in depth understanding of the current developments in Genetics.

Note that the module will mainly use current material from e-journals as it intends to look at the forefront of genetics - however the texts below will be relevant, they all have recent new editions.¿

T. Strachan & A. P. Read, Human Molecular Genetics 4th ed., 2011. Garland Science. ISBN 978-0-815-34149-9.¿

P. Sudbery & I. Sudbery (2009) Human Molecular Genetics, 3rd edition, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. ISBN 978-0-13-205157-6.¿

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition. Garland Science. ISBN 978-0-8153-4106-2¿

You will need access to a computer¿with access to the internet.¿

A written ASSIGNMENT (100%) a critical literature review where the student selects a topic from a list and researches and presents a scientific review. 5000 words maximum.¿

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):¿
Participants will receive formative feedback on the assignment and reflective log.¿

This module is fully supported by Blackboard course pages. The electronic support includes additional information about assessment, formative feedback and discussion groups, in addition to guided learning activities and guidance on independent study.