2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY2175 Human Populations

10 Credits Class Size: 250

Module manager: Dr Rupert Quinnell
Email: R.J.Quinnell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

BLGY2275

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course students will have an understanding of:
- methods for study of distribution and abundance of disease populations;
- infectious disease and cancer epidemiology;
- human genetic variation and population structure;
- the behaviour of genes in human populations;
- human origins and evolution;
- impact of changing populations.

Syllabus

- Epidemiological methods: descriptive epidemiology considering inferences and terminology; classical statistical approaches considering cancer; population biology considering infectious agents.
- Methods are applied in problem solving exercises.
- An evolutionary perspective throws light on the genetic structure of human populations, considering 'normal' variation, geographical variation and pathology.
- Mutation, gene flow, natural selection, genetic drift, founder effects and genetic load are discussed, and considered in workshops.
- Human origins and evolution.
- Changes in human populations: growth; life histories, migration; language; land usage; impact on the environment.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 15 1 16
Practical 4 3 12
Private study hours 72
Total Contact hours 28
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

2 in course practicals, each assessed by completion of a practical worksheet.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Practical 2 x Practical worksheets 25
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 25

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins 75
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 75

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team