module specification

This module provides information and guidance to facilitate an understanding and knowledge of the theory and practical applications of molecular biology, genetics and genomics. It explains the underlying mechanisms of molecular biology and enables these ideas to be expanded to the understanding of human health and disease.
To provide, thorough in depth study, knowledge and understanding of the theory and practical applications of the underling molecular biology of modern genetics and genomics. This module will investigate both historical and modern approaches to genomics. It will reinforce analytical, evaluative and communication skills. The module will also enable students to research a topical issue in depth and present it at an appropriate level and reflect on the topics studied and their application in biomedical practice.

Review of the basis of molecular biology and genetics.  LO1-3
Study the developments in genomes and genetics
Mechanics of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
Genomic technology, DNA in forensics. Discussion of ethical issues involved in Genetic testing and screening; development and use of gene therapies. LO4

Students will be guided by staff in their learning using a combination of private study (160 hours), interactive lectures (20 hours), novel investigative practicals (6 hours) and small group tutorials exploring realistic problems/case studies (14 hours). Preparation for assignments (25 h) will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge base and develop subject skills and competences. They will be able to assess and reflect upon their understanding of the fundamental material through the completion of on-line quizzes.
On completion of this module students’ provide an evaluation of how the module enabled them to develop skills such as information technology, organisational skills, team building, communication, time management and working under pressure

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. understand inheritance patterns in human pedigrees and the processes of mutation detection by genomic techniques and the consequences of various genomic mutations and polymorphisms in health and disease;
2. analyse and solve molecular biological, genetic and genomic problems
3. Use numerical formulae to assess parameters such as the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium; allele frequency and genetic and physical distance between genomic markers
4. recognise and explain changes in gene structure or expression and in terms of the development of disease phenotype

The module will be summatively assessed by the completion of a 2000 word practical report on a selected genetic topic (50%, covering learning outcomes 1, 2,4) and by a portfolio (50%, covering learning outcomes  1, 2, 3, 4) portfolio reflecting on current reading and seminars..
To pass the module students must achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%

Alberts B, Bray D, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Watson JD. (2003)  Molecular Biology of the Cell 5th Ed. Garland. London.
Griffiths AJF, Wessler SR, Carroll SB, Doebley J. (2011)  Introduction to Genetic Analysis 10th Ed. WH Freeman.
Hartl DL. (2011) Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective 5th Ed. Jones and Bartlett.
Krebs JE, ST, Goldstein ES: Lewin's Genes XI (2014) CORE
Lewis R (2010) Human Genetics, Concepts and Applications. 9th Ed. McGraw-Hill.
Lesk AM: Introduction to Genomics (2017)
Berk A,. (2016) Molecular Cell Biology 5th Ed.  WH. Freeman
Reed R, Holmes D, Weyers J, Jones A. (2007) Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences, 3rd Ed.  Pearson
Ram M: Fundamentals of Cytogenetics and Genetics (2010)
Gibson G, Muse SV. (2009)  A Primer of Genome Science 3rd Ed. Sinauer Associates.
Pevsner J: Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (2015)
Stachan T, Goodship J, Chinnery P: Genetics and Genomics in Medicine 5th Edition(2014) Garland Science