| Unit name | Molecular Genetics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOL20015 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Murray |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Biological Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
The principles and techniques of molecular genetics are core to all other aspects of biology; for instance, next generation sequencing is now employed in areas as diverse as neurobiology, conservation biology and developmental biology. This unit will teach the underpinning theoretical background, the basic techniques of molecular genetics, and their practical application. Topics covered will include extraction and handling of nucleic acids, DNA sequencing and the associated bioinformatics, the use of molecular markers and their application, and biotechnology including genetic engineering.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The course is specifically designed to foster an interest in molecular genetics in all year 2 students, including those who previously might have regarded the subject area as not central to their wider interests in biology. While designed to complement all areas of biology, the unit will also provide a secure grounding for those students interested in studying more advanced subject areas such as biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Attendance at the practical sessions for this unit is required.
An overview of content
This unit aims to:
• Provide an essential understanding of the molecular approaches that underpin all areas of organismal biology.
• Show how molecular genetics is central to all areas of biology and how a basic knowledge of molecular genetics is essential for any student interested in a biological career.
• Provide a secure grounding for more advanced courses in molecular biology and/or biotechnology.
• Provide a practical introduction to various molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing, genotyping and cloning.
This unit will achieve this by covering a range of topics related to molecular biology such as: nucleic acid structure, replication and isolation; molecular markers; biotechnology; gene regulation; sequencing; bioinformatics and phylogenetics.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will understand the advantages of interdisciplinary research that molecular genetics can provide, learning from scientists who study and work in these areas, and gaining familiarity in a range of core molecular laboratory methods. The fundamental concepts of this unit will be relevant to many areas of biology as well as optional units taken in your future studies. This unit will ensure that you have sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your future years of study, as well as providing you with the confidence to pursue careers in Biology and beyond. You will also see the personal value of developing scientific communication skills which will support you with future assessments, as well as increase your employability.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Apply molecular techniques in a range of biological areas;
2. Explain how biomolecules (including nucleic acids) are isolated and characterised, and how this can be put to use in a range of biological subject areas;
3. Recognise the interdisciplinary nature of modern biological research;
4. Identify a range of biological systems of contemporary research interest.
5. Demonstrate written communication skills with an ability to relay molecular information with clarity.
Lectures, directed reading, research and/or problem-solving activities; practical exercises and independent study.
Quizzes and questions are integrated into the taught material and practical classes that will aid with testing your understanding of the content. There is also a formative assessment test towards the end of the unit which tests your understanding of the practicals from the latter part of the unit as well as any associated content. This will help prepare you for the end of unit exam.
| Weighting | Summative Assessment Information | Intended Learning Outcomes assessed |
| 60% | Written exam. Will take place in Teaching Block 1 Assessment Period. | 1-5 |
| 40% | Written lab report based on the practicals. You will complete this assessment within the first half of Teaching Block 1. | 1, 2, 4 & 5 |
Re-assessment of both the written work and exam will be conducted in the re-assessment period. Normally, if the written work is missed, the same assessment task will be set with an alternative question. If the exam is missed, an alternative paper will be set in the reassessment period such that the intended learning outcomes are met.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BIOL20015).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
