LF205-12 Genetics and Genomics
Introductory description
The ability to sequence whole genomes at increasingly affordable costs has dramatically improved our ability to explore the molecular genetic basis of complex variation. This provides enormous potential for advances in food security, human and animal health, and adaptation to climate change including sustainable energy sources. This module will introduce and reinforce the concepts and techniques in genetics and genomics that can be used to understand and manipulate complex traits, including hands-on workshops in several of the topics.
Module aims
The ability to sequence whole genomes at increasingly affordable costs has dramatically improved our ability to explore the molecular genetic basis of complex variation. This provides enormous potential for advances in food security, human and animal health, and adaptation to climate change including sustainable energy sources. This module will introduce the concepts and techniques in genetics and genomics that can be used to understand and manipulate complex traits, including an introduction to practical skills.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Introduction to computational biology
Conservation Genetics
Pedigree analysis and linkage mapping
Genetics and Ageing
Personalised nutrition
Gene therapy
Ethical issues
"The End Game" finding a causal gene
Genome-Wide Association Mapping
The Extended Genome
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- show a practical understanding of molecular genetic methods that will include advanced pedigree analysis, recombination (linkage) mapping of quantitative variation, and genome-wide association mapping
- Show an understanding of how molecular genetics can increasingly play an important role in our everyday lives
- link their understanding of sub-cellular biology with modern genetics to appreciate how the phenotype of whole organism is determined.
Indicative reading list
The module will use a combination of recent review articles and refereed papers
exemplifying the techniques and their implementation.
Subject specific skills
show a practical understanding of molecular genetic methods that will include advanced pedigree analysis, recombination (linkage) mapping of quantitative variation, and genome-wide association mapping.
Show an understanding of how molecular genetics can increasingly play an important role in our everyday lives.
link their understanding of sub-cellular biology with modern genetics to appreciate how the phenotype of whole organism is determined.
Transferable skills
Self directed learning
Adult learning
Activity based learning
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 104 hours (87%) |
| Total | 120 hours |
Private study description
Self directed learning and revision for the end of year exam
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| In-person Examination | 100% | No | |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Post board cohort level feedback
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of UIPA-C1L8 Undergraduate Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development