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GENE40040

Academic Year 2025/2026

Model organism genetics: a modern experimental approach (GENE40040)

Subject:
Genetics
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Oliver Blacque
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module addresses advanced topics in how the genetics of eukaryotic model organisms are used to understand human cell biology and disease. Model organisms are genetically tractable experimental tools used to provide information about more complex systems, including humans, which are more difficult to study directly. Topics covered will include genomic, proteomic and drug discovery analysis using unicellular yeast, primary cilia function in plants (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and mice, and animal models of human disease. Innovative model organism-based experimental technologies will be discussed, such as forward and reverse genetics screening and genome-wide protein interaction techniques. It is recommended that students have taken BMOL30050 (bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics) or other modules with similar learning outcomes.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:1. Demonstrate an understanding of how model organisms are used in modern biomedical research 2.Evaluate the use of model organisms in research
3. Critically assess the use of large-scale screening methods.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures; critical writing; case-based learning

Generative AI: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your engagement with AI stops when you begin to create your submission. Your submissions should therefore be authored entirely by yourself and should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. You should keep a comprehensive record of all outputs generated by AI, and may be required to document these as part of the activities, or present them on demand. An appropriate AI tool may be used to correct grammatical errors and improve the language of text you alone have authored. You must not allow the AI tool to alter the sense of any text, offer a critique of or modify any arguments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is strongly recommended that students have taken BMOL30050 (Bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics) or other modules with similar learning outcomes.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of Trimester Exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
80
 No
Exam (In-person): Essay Assignment (1 hr in-class at end of module) Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring External & School Exams Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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