This module has been designed to give the student an understanding of the principles of genetics and of inheritance patterns. The module will cover the structure and organisation of the DNA molecule including a history of its discovery, and how the genetic code is arranged on chromosomes. The processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation to proteins are described in addition to different patterns of inheritance. Genetic disorders and their inheritance will be taught using pedigree charts representing different inheritance patterns. The genetic basis of cancer and the inheritance of complex traits are described. Finally, the fundamentals of population genetics are outlined. All aspects of the module will be delivered with a strong emphasis on case studies to contextualise the information.
The science of genetics
DNA structure and biochemistry, History of discovery of the DNA molecule, Chromosomes, Chromatin, Genetic code organisation: codons, introns and exons; transcription and translation of genes to proteins
Cellular genetics and inheritance
Cells, chromosomes and mitosis, meiosis, model genetic organisms, Mendelian inheritance patterns, allelic variation and gene function, chromosomal theory of heredity, sex-linked genes in humans
Genetic abnormalities
Variations in chromsome number and structure, mutations, repair and recombination, genetic basis of cancer, inheritance of complex traits
Population genetics
Theory of allele frequencies, natural selection, random genetic drift, populations in genetic equilibrium
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |