BS102-4-AU-CO:
Genetics and Evolution
2020/21
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 08 October 2020
Friday 18 December 2020
15
05 October 2020
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC C700 Biochemistry,
BSC C701 Biochemistry (Including Placement Year),
BSC C703 Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CR00 Biochemistry (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C100 Biological Sciences,
BSC C101 Biological Sciences (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C102 Biological Sciences (Including Placement Year),
BSC CD00 Biological Sciences (Including Foundation Year),
BSC B990 Biomedical Science,
BSC B991 Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement),
BSC B995 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC B999 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC BD00 Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIB099 Biomedical Science,
MSCIBA99 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB99 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C400 Genetics,
BSC C402 Genetics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C403 Genetics (Including Placement Year),
BSC CK00 Genetics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C161 Marine Biology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C164 Marine Biology,
BSC CC60 Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CC64 Marine Biology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C200 Human Biology,
BSC C201 Human Biology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C202 Human Biology (Including Placement Year),
MSCIC098 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
MSCIC099 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
MSCICZ99 Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
MSCIB097 Tropical Marine Biology,
MSCIBA97 Tropical Marine Biology (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB97 Tropical Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad)
This module introduces the study of genetics and evolution. We will explore evolution and the Darwinian theory of descent with modification. We then look at genetic variation and genes in populations and consider the role of natural selection in adaptive evolution, followed by mechanisms of speciation and adaptive radiation. This brings us up to date with recent studies of phylogenetics and the evolution of genes and genomes, together with the history of all organisms. The module then moves on to the structure and function of DNA and the expression of the information contained in the genome. This is followed by modern methods in gene cloning and the applications of this technology. Finally, we move on to the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next by the process of cell division and the principles of Mendelian inheritance.
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the study of genetics and evolution.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. describe how genes are organised, replicated and repaired, and how the information they contain is expressed;
2. explain the transmission and action of genes at the level of the organism
3. describe the methods used in DNA technology
4. explain the evidence for the proposed mechanisms of evolution and their relationship to modern genetics
5. explain the evidence for natural selection and the theories of speciation
6. explain the methods to reconstruct evolutionary relationships, and the main transitions in the history of life
7. demonstrate competence in data collection, interpretation and presentation
No additional information available.
24 x 1 hour lectures including 1 on directed learning material, 1 revision class before MCQ and 1 revision class before summer exam; 2 x 3 hour practicals
- Campbell, Neil A. (2018) Biology: A Global Approach, Harlow, UK: Pearson.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Practical 2 DNA Moodle Worksheet |
|
47% |
| Coursework |
Genome Moodle Worksheet |
|
22% |
| Coursework |
Mastering Biology 1 |
|
3% |
| Coursework |
Mastering Biology 2 |
|
3% |
| Coursework |
Mastering Biology 3 |
|
3% |
| Practical |
Practical 1 Bioinfo Moodle Worksheet |
|
22% |
| Exam |
MCQ exam: 50 minutes during January
|
| Exam |
Main exam: 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Toni Marco, Dr Jen Hoyal-Cuthill, Dr Ben Skinner
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Institute Technology Sligo
Vice President
Available via Moodle
Of 1317 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
1317 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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