Genetics  (GNS1)

This academic programme is aimed at students who wish to develop a career or pursue further studies in science, particularly in fields related to Genetics and Molecular Biology. We wish to promote passion and enthusiasm for scientific thinking. We therefore encourage our students to be pro-active and autonomous learners, who constantly and constructively challenge the status quo. We particularly value the application of quantitative and stringent approaches to scientific experimentation and analysis. We provide a learning environment that will encourage students to work individually and as part of teams to develop expertise in what is currently known in the field of Genetics, but also to push the boundaries and explore potential future applications. We encourage students to obtain internship positions that increase their exposure to scientific research. The programme uses lectures, tutorials, and individual and team projects in the curriculum. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including essay writing, multiple choice exams, group projects, oral and poster presentations, and practical examinations. There will be a particular emphasis on experiencing scientific research,including planning and executing a research project, particularly in the final year.

1 - Demonstrate an integrated knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning genetics
2 - Understand the mechanisms of inheritance and of genotype-phenotype relationships
3 - Demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the molecular basis of heredity, including inheritance in humans
4 - Understand the role of genetic mechanisms in evolution and in the generation of biodiversity
5 - Understand key genetic concepts that affect broad societal issues including health, disease, food and natural resources
6 - Acquire mastery of established tools and methods in the field of modern genetics
7 - Perform basic laboratory techniques used in molecular bioscience research
8 - Use and apply quantitative methods, especially the interpretation of graphical or tabular data
9 - Understand the mathematical, statistical and computational basis of genetic analyses that use genome-scale data sets
10 - Locate, retrieve and evaluate scientific information, including primary literature, and evaluate its value
11 - Apply their knowledge and understanding to formulate testable scientific hypotheses and to design experimental approaches to obtain data to test these hypotheses
12 - Accurately and precisely document own research results
13 - Plan and execute genetic experiments, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of positive and negative controls

Students’ performance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail 50% or more of their registered modules, and who fail to progress to the next stage of their programme, will be identified under the UCD Continuation – Academic progress policy. Students’ performance will continue to be reviewed in subsequent trimesters and students will be invited to meetings with the College of Science office for support and guidance.

Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.

As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.

Stage 3

Students take eight core modules and two optional modules. Students may take additional option modules to complete Stage 3 or alternatively, take 10 credits from elective modules.
If you are interested in doing an internship as part of Stage 4, you must indicate your interest in Stage 3. See full details at: http://www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students/

Stage 4

Students must take 60 credits of modules (core and options) from within the BSc programme. Students take 6 core modules and one module from Set A.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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Module Weighting Info