BS102-4-SP-CO:
Genetics and Evolution
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Inactive
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
01 August 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC C110 Biotechnology,
BSC C111 Biotechnology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C112 Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C113 Biotechnology (Including Placement Year)
This module will provide an introduction to the study of genetics and evolution.
The aim of this module is:
- To provide an introduction to the study of genetics and evolution.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Describe how genes are organised, replicated and repaired, and how the information they contain is expressed.
- Explain the transmission and action of genes at the level of the organism.
- Describe the methods used in DNA technology.
- Explain the evidence for the proposed mechanisms of evolution and their relationship to modern genetics.
- Explain the evidence for natural selection and the theories of speciation.
- Explain the methods to reconstruct evolutionary relationships, and the main transitions in the history of life.
- Demonstrate competence in data collection, interpretation and presentation.
Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution". This quote from evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky sums up the importance of understanding evolution, and how genetic information is transmitted.
This module will also 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.
This module will be delivered via:
- One 1-hour lecture per week.
- One 1-hour lectur on directed learning material.
- One revision class before the MCQ exam.
- One revision class before the summer exam.
- Four 3-hour practical sessions or equivalent.
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 |
| Exam |
MCQ exam: Remote, Open Book, 50 minutes during Early Exams
|
| Exam |
Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 60 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 60 minutes during September (Reassessment 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 Julie Lloyd, Dr Matt Jones, TBC
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 367 hours, 349 (95.1%) hours available to students:
18 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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