GENE20020 Principles of Genetics

Academic Year 2022/2023

For more than a century, the knowledge of the mechanisms of heritability have provided biologists with the most robust framework to understand all biological phenomena at all levels of organisation. The module is structured into three main sections: the first one covers the basic principles of how genes shape the phenotype, from single gene inheritance to quantitative trait loci. The application of these mechanisms in plant and animal breeding will also be discussed. The second section focuses on the evolutionary implications of genetics, examining the role of gene flow, random genetic drift, natural selection in driving evolutionary change in natural populations; as well as illustrating the relevance of molecular genetics for inferring genealogies among taxa. The final section of the module will present an overview of phylogenetic methods and applications.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the course, the students will:
a) have a satisfactory knowledge of the basic functioning of the intracellular structures involved in heritability;
b) be able to discover how genetic processes exert effects on the morphology, ecology and the evolution of organisms, populations, species and higher-order taxa;
c) have the opportunity to appreciate the staggering power of molecular genetic applications in breeding, population and phylogenetics.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Computer Aided Lab

6
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and practicals 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Life on Earth (BIOL 10140); Cell Biology and Genetics (BIOL 10110).


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANSC20010 - Genetics and Biotechnology, GENE20010 - Plant and Animal Genetics


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Online quizzes Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

15
Examination: End of semester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Continuous Assessment: Computer aided labs Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will be given class feedback post assessment

Name Role
Assoc Professor Jens Carlsson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Monica De Gaetano Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julia Jones Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joanna Kacprzyk Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rainer Melzer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Susanne Schilling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Emma Teeling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Helen McCarthy Tutor
Dr Carlotta Sacchi Tutor