BS320-6-SP-CO:
Human Molecular Genetics

The details
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
16 January 2024

 

Requisites for this module
BS221 or BS222
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC C400 Genetics,
BSC C402 Genetics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C403 Genetics (Including Placement Year),
BSC CK00 Genetics (Including Foundation Year)

Module description

This module will examine variations in genome sequence and structure in human populations, and consider the evidence for selection in human populations. Consider the evolution of the X chromosome and its regulation by the process of X-inactivation.


This module will also investigate the significance of imprinting, nutrition and epigenetics in human disease and ageing.

Module aims

The aim of this module is:



  • To explore a range of topics in human genetics and give a research based research-based view of recent developments in the field.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Explain the structure and evolutionary origins of the human genome, and the variation observed in human populations.

  2. Understand the inheritance and underlying mechanisms of simple and complex human genetic traits and diseases.

  3. Explain the roles non-coding RNAs play in regulating gene expression and developmental processes, in health and disease.

  4. Discuss the molecular mechanisms, and importance and approaches analysing of epigenetics, epigenomics and imprinting.

  5. Discuss evolutionary aspects and molecular mechanisms of Human Ageing, related genetics and interventions.

  6. Demonstrate competence in the analysis and interpretation of data and in the written communication of information.

Module information

The study of Human Genetics is one of the fastest moving areas of scientific research today. Get to know some important emerging themes from the human genome sequence into the emerging fields of epigenetics, epigenomics, environment-genome interactions, and non-coding RNAs.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Eighteen 1-hour lectures.
  • One revision class before the summer exam

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
0% 100%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
0% 100%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Timothy Barrow, email: timothy.barrow@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ben Skinner, Dr Antonio Marco
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Institute Technology Sligo
Vice President
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 18 hours, 18 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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