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School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

Transmission Genetics

Module code: BIO241

Credits: 15.0
Semester: SEM2
Timetable:

    Lecture
  • Semester 2: Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12: Thursday 9 am - 11 am
    Lab
  • Semester 2: Weeks 3, 5: Thursday 2 pm - 5 pm
  • Semester 2: Weeks 3, 5: Friday 2 pm - 5 pm
  • Semester 2: Weeks 6: Friday 11 am - 12 pm
  • Semester 2: Weeks 6: Friday 12 pm - 2 pm

Contact: Dr Brendan Curran
Overlap: None
Prerequisite: BIO163

The aim of this module is to provide the students with an understanding of how the gene paradigm has changed with time. By examining a number of seminal experiments in detail, and reviewing the development of genetics and reverse genetics in different model organisms, the first half of the module explains how classical approaches to genetics are gradually giving way to a genomics-based approach to this subject. The second half of the module explores the molecular mechanisms involved in ensuring that DNA, the repository of inherited information, achieves the difficult balance of change (mutation and recombination) and stability (repair) necessary for evolution to occur. The various techniques involved in modern genetic analysis are covered as the module progresses. These include plasmids, restriction enzymes, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Southern and Northern blots, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), cDNA and genomic libraries, and targeted gene knockout technologies.

Connected course(s): UDF DATA
Assessment: 75.0% Examination, 25.0% Coursework
Level: 5

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