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Module Overview

The purpose of this module is to give students a clear view of how and where genetics is used in the 'real world'. This module will build on the basics of molecular biology and genetics taught in Levels 4 and 5, and will expect students to utilise this prior knowledge and content given in lectures and in the problem-based learning assessments.

Module Provider

The module is provided by the School of Biosciences and Medicine.

Module Leader

The module leader is BAILEY Sarah (Biosc & Med).

Module Details

• Module code: BMS3093
• Number of Credits: 15
• ECTS Credits: 7.5
• Framework: FHEQ Level 6
• Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Content

Indicative content includes:

• Inheritance patterns and interpretation of pedigree trees.
• Methods used to identify & distinguish between mutations and their application in human diseases.
• Use of bioinformatics to compare & contrast gene sequences across multiple species or from multiple sources.
• Inheritance of epigenetic control of gene expression.
• Human genetic disease diagnostics (to include ethics and genetic counselling)
• Diagnostic tools for identification of somatic cancer cell genetics.
• Human complex disease research and the effects of the environment and genes on these

Assessment Pattern

The assessment pattern consists of:

• Coursework: INDIVIDUAL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING (40%)
• Coursework: EXTENDED MATCHING QUESTIONS (60%)

Alternative Assessment

There is no alternative assessment for this module.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a clear and deep understanding of the different aspects of genetics in the 21st century, and to show their independent learning skills acquired during the course.

Module Aims

The module aims to:

• Enable the students to gain a clear and deep understanding of use of bioinformatics to identify genetic abnormalities and interrogate their effects.
• Enable the students to gain a clear and deep understanding of epigenetic signature inheritance & influence on phenotype.
• Enable the students to gain a clear and deep understanding of inheritance patterns and ability to predict heritability of a trait.
• Enable the students to gain a clear and deep understanding of human genetic disease diagnostics (including ethics & genetic counselling)
• Enable the students to gain a clear and deep understanding of human cancer somatic molecular genetic diagnostics
• Enable the students to gain a clear and deep understanding of human complex (genes/environment) disease research

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes are: | | Attributes Developed
---|---|---
001 | Interpret a genetic history and predict future inheritance of a disease based upon this. | KCT
002 | Interrogate and manipulate human databases. | KCPT
003 | Compare and contrast genetic and epigenetic mechanisms stating their influence upon human disease | KCT
004 | Evaluate the ethical, practical, and molecular genetic merits surrounding human genetic disease and be able to communicate an opinion giving the reasoning behind this | KCT
005 | Summarise the results obtained from a genetic study and identify the diagnostics that may be used to gain further genetic insight into a disease. | KCPT
006 | Describe, with examples, the molecular basis of somatic cancer mutations. | KCT
007 | Illustrate the role of genetics in current human complex disease research and propose alternative or additional research questions and/or methods. | KCT

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to enable students to be independent learners and thereby gain a deep understanding of genetics as it is actually used today. The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Class tutorials, using the 'flipped classroom' approach; facilitated, small-group, PBL sessions
• Revision tutorials
• Peer-assisted learning will be achieved through group work for PBL sessions
• Formal class debate on an aspect of the ethics of genetics

Programmes this Module Appears In

The module appears in the following programmes:

• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry MSci (Hons)
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

All of these programmes require a weighted aggregate mark of 40% to pass the module.