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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 02/03/2022 17:37:23

Title of Module: Genetics

Code: BIOL08012 SCQF Level: 8
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Health and Life Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:Farah  Jaber

Summary of Module

Genetics is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of science. This module introduces you to both classical genetics and molecular biology. Molecular biology is the study of biology at a molecular level. You will discover the interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis and learn how these interactions are regulated. This is the basis of developments such as cloning, gene editing, vaccine development and the creation of transgenic animals. This is combined with classical genetics which studies why and how offspring resemble their parents. An understanding of mechanisms and patterns of inheritance leads to a greater understanding of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. If scientists can understand the disorder they can develop new tests for these diseases and potential cures. In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge you will perform laboratory experiments to test the theories.

Undertaking this module will develop a range of graduate attributes. Valuable experience in practical work, recording, analysing and interpreting results will develop critical thinking skills. Basic knowledge of Genetics will be extended and ambition developed by consideration of current cutting edge developments such as gene editing. Working as a group to produce a poster on current technologies will enhance communication, collaboration and creativity.


Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:

 

 

 

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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1

 

Term 2check markTerm 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Describe the structure and properties of nucleic acids.

L2. Outline the processes of biosynthesis of nucleic acids and gene expression.

L3. Analyse the mechanisms and patterns of inheritance in higher organisms.

L4. Demonstrate practical skills in performing molecular techniques relevant to genetics and recording, analysing and interpreting results.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 8.

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of core molecular genetics (central dogma). Understand the core theories of inheritance with limited application.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 8.

Use the theoretical knowledge gained to perform experiments and interpret the results.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 8.

Use a range of approaches to formulate appropriate responses to problems in mendelian and molecular genetics.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 8.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Analyse and interpret data where appropriate.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 8.

Working in teams to perform practical work will require time management, organisational skills and awareness of professional practice.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
Module Title:
Other:or equivalent
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
This module will be delivered using a hybrid approach to learning and teaching. Face to face delivery will be supported by a range of material on the VLE. Methods will include lectures, videos, tutorials focused on problem solving and application of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory work. The material in this module will develop concepts introduced in level 7. The laws and concepts of inheritance will be introduced and applied in problem solving. This will reinforce basic concepts and encourage a deeper learning approach. Concepts in molecular genetics will be further developed from level 7 by looking at replication, transcription, translation and their control in more detail. Relevance to DNA technology applications will be highlighted appropriately to maintain relevance to current developments. Practicals skills in molecular techniques will be developed in the laboratory and data from practical experiments will be analysed and presented appropriately.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery12
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity12
Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop12
Asynchronous Class Activity12
Independent Study152
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

There are several books available in the library and resources on the internet. The following are examples:



Web site http://www.dnalc.org/ Dolan DNA Learning Centre, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory particularly DNA from the Beginning is an excellent site on the background molecular Biology.

Hartl, D.L. (2018)Essential Genetics and Genomics (7th ed; Jones and Bartlett)

Hartl, D.L. & Cochrane, B. (2017)Genetics Analysis of Genes and Genomes(9th ed; Jones & Bartlett)

Snustad, D.P. & Simmons, M.J. (2016) Principles of Genetics (7th ed.Wiley)


https://openstax.org/books/biology-ap-courses

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
Attendance at synchronous sessions (lectures, workshops, lab practicals and tutorials, completion of asynchronous activities, and submission of assessments to meet the learning outcomes of the module. This module has a practical element as part of the Royal Society of Biology accreditation which must be attended.

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardBiological Sciences and Health
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelBiology L7-11
ModeratorGail McGarvie
External ExaminerA Tsaousis
Accreditation Details This module is part of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme; accredited by Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as part of BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science programme. This module is part of the BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience, BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation and BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience and Zoology programmes; accredited by Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
Version Number

2.17

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Two class tests, worth 50% of the final mark.
Lab Reports and group poster based on the practical work worth 50% of the final mark.
Observation of practical skills in molecular techniques. This is a Pass/Fail component which must be passed.
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Class test (written)check markcheck markcheck mark 502

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Report of practical/ field/ clinical work   check mark400
Demonstrations/ Poster presentations/ Exhibitions   check mark100

Component 3
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Clinical/ Fieldwork/ Practical skills assessment/ Debate/ Interview/ Viva voce/ Oral   check mark00
Combined Total For All Components100% 2 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
In line with current legislation (Equality Act, 2010) and the UWS Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Code, our modules are accessible and inclusive, with reasonable adjustment for different needs where appropriate. Module materials comply with University guidance on inclusive learning and teaching, and specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. Where modules require practical and/or laboratory based learning or assessment required to meet accrediting body requirements the University will make reasonable adjustment such as adjustable height benches or assistance of a ‘buddy’ or helper.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.