BS102-4-SP-CO:
Genetics and Evolution

The details
2015/16
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
15
05 March 2007

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC C700 Biochemistry,
BSC C701 Biochemistry (Including Placement Year),
BSC C703 Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C100 Biological Sciences,
BSC C101 Biological Sciences (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C102 Biological Sciences (Including Placement 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 C400 Genetics,
BSC C402 Genetics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C403 Genetics (Including Placement Year),
BSC C164 Marine Biology,
BSC CC60 Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

This module provides an introduction to the study of genetics and evolution. The structure and function of DNA and the expression of the information contained in the genome are explained. The transmission of this genetic information from one generation to the next by the process of cell division and the principles of Mendelian inheritance are then considered. This is followed by modern methods in gene cloning and the applications of this technology. The module then moves on to the Darwinian theory of descent with modification - evolution. We look at genetic variation and genes in populations and consider the role of natural selection in adaptive evolution. Mechanisms of speciation and adaptive radiation will be explored. This brings us up to date with recent studies of phylogenetics and the evolution of genes and genomes.

Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to 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. demonstrate competence in data collection, interpretation and presentation

Module aims

No information available.

Module learning outcomes

No information available.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

24 x 1 hour lectures including 1 on directed learning material plus 1 revision class before MCQ and 1 revision class before summer exam; 4 x 3 hour practicals or equivalent

Bibliography

(none)

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Worksheet for Pracs 1 & 2     25% 
Coursework   On-line assessment     25% 
Coursework   Prac 3 SPF     50% 
Coursework   SPF - Groups 3 & 4 - week 24      
Coursework   SPF - Groups 5 & 6 - week 25     
Exam  Main exam: 60 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 

Additional coursework information

MCQ Exam: wk 30, Summer Exam: wks 33-36

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

Coursework Exam
33% 67%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
0% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Julie Lloyd and Dr Jordi Paps Montserrat
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Mark John Coleman
The University of East Anglia
Director of Teaching and Learning
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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