122231

Genes and Gene Expression

This course covers fundamentals of molecular biology including nucleic acid structure, DNA replication, repair and transcription, with reference to health and disease. Methods used to study and manipulate genes will be covered and applied in practice. A lecture and problem-based course, complemented by practical laboratory experience.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

122231

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subjects

Biochemistry, Genetics

Course planning information

Course notes

Attendance at laboratory classes is compulsory. All assessments are compulsory. To pass the course students must achieve a minimum of 43% in the final exam.

Prerequisite courses

Complete first
162101 and (123101 or 123103 or 123104)

You need to complete the above course or courses before moving onto this one.

Restrictions

Similar content
203211 and 203240

You cannot enrol in this course if you have passed (or are enrolled in) any of the course(s) above as these courses have similar content or content at a higher level.

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Describe and explain the structure of DNA and RNA and the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
  • 2 Describe and explain the regulation of gene expression.
  • 3 Describe basic experimental tools that are used to study and manipulate DNA in vitro and explain how these tools are applied in procedures such as DNA sequencing, cloning, expression of recombinant proteins, molecular diagnosis and forensic investigation.
  • 4 Carry out experimental techniques relevant to the study of genes, the detection of genetic variants and the expression and analysis of gene products.
  • 5 Present and interpret data and solve numerical and theoretical problems relevant to molecular biology.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Participation 1 2 3 4 5 0%
Test 5 5%
Test 1 2 3 15%
Written Assignment 2 4 5 5%
Test 1 2 3 4 5 20%
Written Assignment 1 2 3 4 5 5%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 50%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

Textbooks can change. We recommend you wait until at least seven weeks before the semester starts to buy your textbooks.

Highly recommended

INTRODUCTION TO GENETIC ANALYSIS

Author
GRIFFITHS A, DOEBLEY J, PEICHEL C, WASSARMAN D
ISBN
9781319114770
Edition
12TH EDITION
Publisher
WH FREEMAN

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