Module manager: Dr Christine Diggle
Email: c.p.diggle@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
As per parent programme specification
This module is not approved as an Elective
Students will gain knowledge and understanding of key topics in human molecular genetics. These include genome structure and maintenance, inheritance patterns of single gene and complex disease, methods used in genetic research and clinically. The ethical and social implications of genetic investigations will also be covered.
On completion of the module, students will be able to
- evaluate research in inherited diseases
- understand the biology of inheritance and the way that variation at all levels in the genome contributes to the development of inherited disease.
- consider social and ethical issues that arise from the use of genetic information in biomedical research
- appraise experimental methodology in the context of genetic research
LO1 Assess the impact of the human genome project and other genome/genetic projects, and relate this to our understanding of the organisation and function of the genome/potential ethical issues.
LO2 Critically appraise the scientific literature in the field of human molecular genetics and form independent views on areas of uncertainty or conflicting evidence.
LO3 Evaluate the methods used for mapping/identifying genes/variants involved in genetic disorders.
LO4 Comprehend and analyse data from molecular genetic experiments.
SLO1 Demonstrate proficient use on a range of digital tools including bibliographic databases to retrieve literature and software to analyse and present data. (working, academic, digital skills
SLO2 Demonstrate critical evaluation of experimental approaches and published literature relevant to biomedical research. (academic skills
SLO3 Demonstrate efficient time management skills in preparing and presenting academic work. (working, academic skills)
SLO4 Demonstrate the ability to disseminate scientific information clearly in written form. (working, enterprise and academic skills)
SLO5 Demonstrate the ability to use the correct scientific language and good academic practice, including referencing. (academic skills)
Cell cycle and mitosis, DNA replication, DNA damage and repair, meiosis, recombination, genes in pedigrees, alleles, patterns of inheritance, types of constitutional genetic pathology, genomic architecture, genes in populations, recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning and mapping, genetic markers and linkage analysis, positional cloning, next generation sequencing, applications in clinical diagnosis and forensic medicine, genome projects.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Practical | 3 | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| Seminar | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 117.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative feedback for the literature review will be provided following submission of a 1-page outline for the literature review.
During one of the tutorial sessions students will present a prepared poster. The poster content is based on the same topic selected for the summative literature review. Personal feedback will be provided in person and written.
Tutorial time is timetabled to complete the bioinformatic workbook, with a tutor present to provide support
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | Formative - Literature review outline | 0 |
| Poster | Formative - Poster summarising the content of the literature review | 0 |
| Literature Review | 1 x 2500 word literature review | 60 |
| Coursework | Bioinformatic practical workbook | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
There is no compensation between assessments for this module. Students must pass each individual assessment in order to pass the module.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 22/05/2026
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