Introduction to Genetics

Module title	Introduction to Genetics
Module code	NEU1007
Academic year	2021/2
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Patrick Hamilton (Convenor) Dr Dominic Wiredu Boakye (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	80

Module description

Genetics and the control of gene expression is the source of diversity both within the body and between individuals; they fundamentally shape a wide range of biological processes.

In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental genetic components of the cell and explore how genetic information is stored in eukaryotic cells. You will consider how this information is replicated, how gene expression is regulated, how hereditary patterns arise and how population genetics and evolution contribute. These genetic processes will be illustrated wherever possible with Neuroscientific examples .

Modern techniques in DNA sequencing and the exploration of gene diversity will be introduced, with examples from humans and other organisms.

To complement the theory of genetics covered in the lectures, you will also observe laboratory demonstrations and have opportunities to explore experimental results.

This is a core module for the first year students on the BSc Neuroscience programme.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module introduces you to core concepts in genetics and complements this theory with appropriate laboratory demonstrations. The module will discuss topics including DNA structure and organisation, DNA replication, gene regulation, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of DNA variation and hereditary patterns.

The theory of various techniques used to study genetics will be discussed to complement the laboratory demonstrations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Identify techniques used to study genetics.
2. Describe the structure of DNA and how it is replicated.
3. Explain how gene expression is regulated.
4. Illustrate the principles of genetic engineering.
5. Illustrate the origin of genetic variation and how genetics is used to understand evolution.
6. Demonstrate hereditary patterns and describe how these relate to human genetics.
7. Examine how DNA sequence relates to protein function

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Illustrate genetics and how this applies to neuroscience
9. Illustrate genetics and how this applies to neuroscience
10. Begin to utilise appropriate techniques to analyse molecular genetics and interpret experimental results

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

11. Communicate ideas effectively by written and oral means
12. Begin to identify appropriate information from various relevant sources including teaching material, books and the internet
13. Develop skills for independent study

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

We will cover topics including:

DNA and chromosomes
DNA to protein
Control of gene expression
Genetic technologies
Mutagenesis and DNA damage repair
Genetic variation
Genetics patterns and principles of heredity
Linkage and mapping
Chromosome variations and sex determination
Population genetics
Evolution

These will be covered through lectures; data analysis sessions; laboratory practicals/demonstrations; and question and answer sessions. Knowledge and application of the course content will be assessed by a multiple-choice exam (60%), and through quizzes based on practical problem sets.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
35	115	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	20	Lectures (may be in-person or virtual) (20 x 1h)
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	6	Question and answer sessions; synchronous with asynchronous discussion forum - (6 x 1 hr)
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	9	Laboratory technique demonstrations and analysis of genetic data (3 x 1.5h + 2 x 2h + 0.5h)
Guided independent study	67	Lecture consolidation and reading
Guided independent study	48	Revision

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Exam style MCQ quizzes	1.5 hr	1-9, 11-13	Online model answers
Genetic practical problem sets	4 x 1 hours	1-11	Oral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
38	62	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Practical problem set 1. To be submitted online	10	Problems based on the laboratory sessions and workshop, each involving data analysis & ~2-3 questions (~200 words per question)	1-11	Written feedback
Practical problem set 2. To be submitted online	10	Problems based on the laboratory sessions and workshops, each involving data analysis & ~2-3 questions (~200 words or equivalent per question)	1-11	Written feedback
Quizzes based on practical problem sets and workshops	18	3x1 hour	1-11	Verbal feedback on request
MCQ examination	62	1.5 hours	1-9, 11-13	Mark; verbal on request

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Practical problem set 1 (10%).	Practical problem set 1	1-11	August referral/deferral period
Practical problem set 2 (10%).	Practical problem set 2	1-11	August referral/deferral period
Quizzes based on practical problem sets and workshops (18%), 3x1 hour	One combined quiz based on practical problem sets and workshops.	1-11	August referral/deferral period
MCQ examination (62%), (1.5 hours)	MCQ examination	1-9, 11-13	August referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

In case of referral for the quiz assessment, a student would take a single combined quiz based on all practicals during the ref/def period. If a student misses two or more in-class quizzes with mitigation, then the student will then be deferred to take the single combined quiz during the ref/def period. If a student misses a single in-class test, with mitigation, their overall mark for this element will be based on the mean percentage score of the quizzes taken.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Emery’s Elements of Medical Genetics (15th Edition) Elsevier. – Chapter 1 of this book provides a concise introduction into the history and impact of genetics in medicine.

Russell PJ (2014) iGenetics: Pearson New International Edition: A Molecular Approach – This book explains key concepts from this course at the right level.

Alberts B et al. (2015) Molecular Biology of the Cell (7th Edition) – This enormous book goes into great depth - more than is required for this course - but the explanations and diagrams are excellent. Chapter 1, “Cells and Genomes” from page 10 brings together key concepts covered in this course in an accessible way.

Key words search

Gene regulation, genetic variation, genome, mutagenesis, hereditary

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	N/A
Module co-requisites	N/A
NQF level (module)	4
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	01/02/2021
Last revision date	28/07/2021