Course Catalogue

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In Genetics, you will develop an appreciation of the continuity of genetics that will build on the classical foundations of molecular genetics established in the Level 2 Life Sciences courses. This will enable you use both classical and molecular genetics to address contemporary problems in studies of medicine, biotechnology and evolution.

Lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, seminars etc as organised.

Normally, this course is only open to students admitted to Level-3 of a programme for which this is a compulsory course. The course may also be available to visiting students, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Chief Adviser and the Course Coordinator.

None

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour problem examination paper (20%) in the December diet, a 2-hour essay examination paper (30%) in the April / May diet and in-course assessment (50%).

The in-course assessment consists of an essay (10%), two laboratory reports (20%), an oral presentation (10%) and a class test written under exam conditions in the December diet (10%).

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the final Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in practical laboratory techniques, problem solving, critical analysis, interpretation and discussion of factual information and data relevant to modern Genetics and to improve written and oral communication skills.

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ demonstrate a deep understanding of Genetics;

■ carry out, and apply practical skills to, a wide variety of experiments in molecular genetics;

■ critically analyse experimental results, using numerical and computer skills where appropriate;

■ appraise and criticise original scientific literature from a variety of sources; 

■ communicate experimental, interpretative and ethical aspects of science, using oral presentations, written work and information technology.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.