Undergraduate Course: Molecular Genetics 3 (BILG09002)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | A core course in molecular genetics. The course covers chromosome structure and organisation; gene expression and RNA processing in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; genetic engineering; genetic stability and instability; transposable elements and DNA rearrangements; genetic analysis; mouse genetics and transgenesis. The lectures are complemented by tutorials and by practical sessions that provide hands-on experience of genetical and molecular genetical manipulations. |
| Course description |
A basic understanding of Molecular Genetics is essential to many areas of scientific study. This junior honours course aims to extend the knowledge gained in previous courses, particularly Genes and Gene Action 2, and to promote a more detailed understanding of this field of Biology. Molecular Genetics 3 is a requirement for Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Development, Regeneration and Stem Cells and Biotechnology senior honours programmes and also provides an advanced background to several other courses.
The major topics covered by the course are:
- regulation of gene expression and RNA processing
- chromosome structure, organisation and segregation
- genetic stability and instability
- genetic engineering
- mouse genetics and transgenesis
The course will run based on an hybrid model, comprising a series of lectures and tutorials online, as well as in-person practical sessions that provide hands-on experience of many of the molecular manipulations used in modern genetics and molecular biology. All students, irrespective of whether attending in-person or not, will interact fully with the practicals using the videos, resources, discussion, activities and live-streamed or recorded material available. The tutorial sessions are important towards developing the skills required for data interpretation, problem solving and group working, while the assessed essay will develop your scientific critique and writing skills. The course will be assessed by continuous assessment.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
Genes and Gene Action 2 (BILG08003)
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
The Dynamic Cell 2 (BILG08009)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Lab coats will be supplied but students should provide a notebook and marker pen. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Equivalent of the courses listed above |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 21,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 19,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 16,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
139 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
40 %,
Coursework
60 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
The course is fully assessed by weekly in-course work. In-course components of assessment:
- 1000 word essay (25%)
- Lecture quizzes (5%)
- Practicals quizzes (10% total: 7% Block 1 Lab and 3% Block 2 lab)
- Data Handling Test (15%)
- Tutorials (5%)
- Final Exam (40%)
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| Feedback |
Not entered |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | | 2:30 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | | 2:30 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Be able to explain chromosome structure, organisation and segregation, and the major processes involved in the regulation of gene expression.
- Be able to explain the mechanisms involved in genetic recombination and transposition, and to understand their importance in maintaining and disrupting genome stability and in genome modification.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse molecular genetic data.
- Demonstrate an ability to research and compose an essay on a defined scientific topic in molecular genetics, using primary research sources..
- Be able to explain experimental design and interpret laboratory experiments in molecular genetics.
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Reading List
General textbooks:
'Introduction to Genetic Analysis' 11th ed., Griffiths et al. Publisher: Freeman, 2015.
'Lewin's Genes XI', Krebs et al. Publisher: Jones and Bartlett, 2014 or perhaps more
accessible; 'Lewin's Essential Genes' 3rd ed. Krebs et al. Publisher: Jones and
Bartlett, 2012
'Molecular Biology of the Gene' 7th ed., Watson et al.. Publisher: CSHL Press; 2013.
Excellent books on aspects of the course:
'Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction', 7th Edition. T.S. Brown.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2016
'Genetic Recombination', D. Leach. Publisher: Blackwell Science; 1996.
'Human Molecular Genetics' 4th ed., Strachan and Read. Publisher: CRC Press,
Garland Science; 2010.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Research and enquiry
Personal and intellectual autonomy
Communication
Personal effectiveness
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| Additional Class Delivery Information |
21 lectures
5 tutorials
8 practicals
11 Q&A sessions |
| Keywords | MOG3 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Sara Buonomo
Tel: (0131 6)50 5161
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Janna James
Tel: (0131 6)50 8649
Email: |
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