An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS1064 | Biosciences | 1 | 30 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- BIOS1064
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
Cells are the basic building blocks of life. This Module introduces the fundamental knowledge and principles underpinning life from the disciplines of Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It will compare how procaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (animal and plants) cells are built, replicate, pass on genetic information, control gene expression and translation. This module will also introduce how cells operate on a molecular level: the structure, metabolism, and properties of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids will be examined in relation to their function and regulation. The major metabolic pathways in the cell responsible for energy production (respiration) and biosynthesis of cellular components, including the major pathways of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism along with some aspects of thermodynamics will be covered.
Understanding the chemistry of these macromolecules in terms of structure and cellular processes is important as it is the key element in many scientific areas including Animal Science and Human biology, Microbiology, Agriculture, Genetics and Biotechnology. Application of basic concepts will be enhanced with practical sessions and workshops. Specialist options within animal nutrition, plant and microbial spheres will allow for subject specific applications of genetic techniques and theories which form an underpinning knowledge base for subsequent modules.
Target Students
First year Biosciences students except BSc Agriculture, BSc Agricultural Business Management, BSc/MSci Plant Biology, BSc/MSci Environmental Biology, BSc/MSci Environmental Science
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: Coursework covering practicals and some lecture content delivered over Autumn Semester
- 20% Coursework 2: Coursework covering practicals and some content delivered over Spring Semester
- 30% Exam 1 (1-hour): ExamSys covering Autumn Semester content
- 30% Exam 2 (1-hour): ExamSys covering Spring Semester content
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
This module is designed to give students a broad foundation in the functional units of life: cells. It will compare the structure of bacterial, animal, and plant cells, from the structure and function of different organelles. A solid foundation in the growth and development of cells will be delivered focusing on mitosis, meiosis, cell division and differentiation. To understand more detailed how cells replicate, differentiate and operate on a molecular level basics of fundamental genetic processes will be covered such as Mendelian laws of inheritance, nucleic acid structure; control of gene expression; genetic variation; mutation and repair; restriction endonucleases. It will then apply the knowledge and explain how this is exploited in recombinant DNA technology. Finally, this module will introduce students to the basic structure, properties and functions of the four key biological macromolecules namely- nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. It also aims to introduce the basic metabolic pathways occurring in cells, such as respiration, photosynthesis, and the biosynthetic pathways for the key macromolecules. Finally, the concepts of regulating these pathways on cellular and organism level will be explored. Specialist options covering animal nutrition, plant and microbial spheres will allow for subject specific applications of genetic techniques and theories which form an underpinning knowledge base for subsequent modules.Learning Outcomes
1. Explain key principles of molecular cell biology as found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, outlining the structure and function of the main organelles.
2. Explain the growth and development of cells in relation to the cell cycle and cell differentiation.
3. Outline Mendelian Laws of Inheritance in eukaryotes and the factors that result in changes in populations.
4. Describe the structure and functions of DNA and describe the way genetic variation occurs.
5. Explain the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells highlighting the processes from DNA to protein and the sub-cellular units involved during each stage of the process.
6. Describe different ways mutations can occur and their effect on populations.
7. Describe the basic methods of gene cloning and recombinant DNA technology and how these can be used in modern genetics, including forensics, biotechnology, and animal and crop improvements.
8. Understanding – the structure, properties and functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates.
9. The major metabolic pathways such as respiration, photosynthesis, lipid and protein biosynthesis and the role of energy in metabolism.
10. Handle kinetic data and understand molarity and the basic principles of key techniques such as electrophoresis and spectrophotometry.