Description
鈥淏IOL0003 Introduction to Genetics鈥 presents modern genetics in a specifically non-molecular context in the hope that students will see that molecular biology has the potential to answer larger and more important questions rather than being simply an end in itself. You will be introduced to the genetics of a variety of creatures from peas to humans. Topics include: Basic Mendelism, genetic linkage and linkage maps, chromosomes, cytoplasmic inheritance, mutation and mutagenesis, quantitative genetics, family structure, population genetics and evolutionary genetics.
The module is assessed through 4 tutorials and a term essay. In addition to lectures, there is a short 听Drosophila听practical to illustrate linkage. At the end of the module you should be able to analyse pedigrees, construct simple genetic maps, analyse quantitative characters and the distribution of genes in populations, understand the nature of mutation and have developed some insight into the sort of "genetical thinking" - from Mendel to McClintock - that has the potential to illuminate the important problems of molecular and cellular biology today.
Indicative lecture topics 鈥 based on module content in 2022/23
Lecture 1: Introduction to Mendelism
Lecture 2: Recombination and Mendel鈥檚 Second Law
Lecture 3-4: Modifications of Mendel
Lecture 5: Sex Linkage and the Chromosome Theory
Lecture 6: Chromosome rearrangements 1/2
Lecture 7: Changes in chromosome number
Lecture 8: Genetic linkage and two-point mapping
Lecture 9: Genetic linkage and three-point mapping
Lecture 10: Chromosome structure and further mapping
Lecture 11: Gene and Environment Interaction
Lecture 12: Quantitative Genetics
Lecture 13: Behavioural Genetics
Lecture 14: Family Genetics and Inbreeding
Lecture 15: Genetics with a Single Parent
Lecture 16-18: Population听 Genetics
Lecture 19: Mutation
Lecture 20: Mutagenesis
Module Aims
- To provide a course of basic genetics for students in the Life Sciences that introduces them to the major principles of genetic theory
- To teach genetic theory using examples from both human and non-human systems
- To introduce students to researching and understanding the scientific literature and develop their skills in scientific writing
- To prepare students for more specialised courses in genetics which require an understanding of basic genetic theory
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students should:
- Understand that genetics underpins all fields of the biological sciences
- Have an enhanced knowledge and understanding of genetics in different human and non-human systems
- Be able to integrate related topics from different parts of the course
- Develop better researching and writing skills
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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