|Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Penny Smith|
Classes: Two 1-hour lectures per week; one 2-3 hour practical per week. One tutorial every second week.
Assessment: One 2 hour exam (50%), laboratory reports and quizzes (50%).
|This unit of study builds on the concepts introduced in MBLG2071 and shows how modern molecular biology is being applied to the study of the genetics of all life forms from humans and other complex multicellular organisms through to single celled organisms such as bacteria. Students will be introduced to more complex modes of Mendelian inheritance including those involved in human diseases. The molecular basis for different patterns of inheritance will be discussed. The interaction of genes and gene products will be illustrated by the examination of the molecular genetics of development. The application of genomics to the study of genetic variation and gene function in humans and model organisms, as well as to an understanding of molecular evolution, will be described. Practical: In laboratory exercises you will investigate the genetics of a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms in order to illustrate concepts covered in the lecture material. Students will develop familiarity and competence with equipment used in molecular genetic analysis, bioinformatics, microscopy and statistical tests. Generic skills are developed in report writing, oral presentation, problem solving and data analysis. Successful completion of this unit of study is required in order to progress to the Bachelor of Science major in Molecular Biology and Genetics.|