Module Information

Module Identifier
BR14410
Module Title
Exploring Genetics
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Online test  Data analysis and comprehension.  50%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Online test  - Data analysis and comprehension. Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam  Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe genetic processes at all levels of organisation (e.g. molecular, chromosomal, population) with reference to appropriate structures and concepts.

2. Interpret and analyse data produced by genetic experiments.

3. Describe how to manipulate a range of organisms in the laboratory, using appropriate equipment and reagents.

4. Discuss recent advances in genetics at a basic level.

Brief description

This module is intended for students whose degree schemes contain a substantial genetics element in years 2 and 3. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the key principles underlying the theory and practice of genetics and to make them aware of recent advances in the field. Lectures will cover the basic principles of genetics at all levels, from molecules to populations and species before introducing more advanced topics. Practicals will reinforce this information by demonstrating how genetics is studied through experiments on model organisms.

Content

Lecture topics
1. History and principles of genetics
2. Segregation, recombination and gene mapping in eukaryotes
3. Population genetics and evolution
4. Microbial genetics and biotechnology
5. Molecular biology and bioinformatics
6. Gene expression and development
7. Genomics and post-genomics
8. Recent advances in genetics

Practical topics
1. Mitosis and karyotyping
1. Recombination and linkage mapping
2. Environmental effects on gene expression

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Practical classes and exam questions require students to make calculations and analyse quantitative data.
Communication
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback from formative quizzes allows students to identify areas in which performance requires improvement.
Information Technology Students are encouraged to obtain information from recent research publications, accessed using ISI Web of Science and other internet resources for use in their answers to exam questions and formative quizzes.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving Students are required to predict and interpret the results of genetics experiments in the practical classes. Many exam questions also contain a problem solving element.
Research skills Students are required to engage in further reading in order to complete the formative quizzes and answer the seen exam question.
Subject Specific Skills Practical classes require students to follow laboratory protocols, use microscopes, prepare slides and interpret data.
Team work Practicals require students to work in small groups.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4