Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 2 Hours Practical test | 50% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours Supplementary practical test | 50% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe the structure, function and evolution of eukaryotic chromosomes, and identify the factors governing chromosome stability and driving karyotype diversity.
Outline the nature and effects on the phenotype of numerical and structural changes of chromosomes.
Discern how meiosis and recombination underpin genetic variation.
Construct, test statistically and interpret linkage maps.
Brief description
Chromosomes carry genes with great precision and fidelity between cell cycles, and from one generation to the next. This module explores how chromosomes have evolved to be proficient vehicles of inheritance, and how differences and changes in chromosome number and structure have important implications for speciation and the fitness of eukaryotic organisms. It also shows how chromosomes provide the environment for the expression and recombination of genes, and how chromosomes underpin sex determination and the evolution of breeding systems. Practical classes complement the lecture series, in which model organisms are used to demonstrate the principles and practice of genetic mapping.
Content
1. Chromosome structure and evolution
Defining and comparing karyotypes by chromosome components. Drivers and models of chromosome evolution, sex determination and breeding systems, extrachromosomal inheritance and epigenetics.
2. Chromosome mutation
The nature of numerical and structural chromosome change and its relationship to fertility and aetiology of human genetic disorders.
3. Meiosis and Recombination
The cytology and molecular genetics of meiosis and recombination.
4. Practicals
Karyology, meiosis, recombination and linkage mapping in model organisms.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Data are obtained and analysed statistically in the practical classes. |
| Communication | Listening and questioning skills are honed in lectures and practical classes. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Progress and performance is monitored through feedback on practical assessments and a module review session to prepare for the examination. |
| Information Technology | Internet search engines are used for directed wider reading. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Discerning the central role of chromosomes in governing the phenotype is an important skill in terms of pursuing a career in clinical and biomedical science. |
| Problem solving | Scientific method will be exercised by posing and testing hypotheses in the practical classes. |
| Research skills | The practical classes will develop transferable lab skills in microscopy, microbiological techniques, and in following written protocols. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Ability to discern the central role of the chromosome in the genetics and evolution of eukaryotes. |
| Team work | The acquisition and analysis of class data in the practicals encourages an active role in group activities. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5