Module manager: Professor Jurgen Denecke
Email: J.Denecke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
BLGY1237 Introduction to Genetics
BLGY3110 Applied Genetics
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The key aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of how the application of genetics can be used in basic science, medicine, biotechnology and crop development
The key objectives are:
1. To explain the use of hybrid genes in molecular biology, recombinant protein production and crop development
2. To compare the various techniques of genetic transformation and develop practical skills within the 2 practicals in transient gene expression in cells;
3. To explain how genetic selection can be used to advance crop development;
4. To explain some of the additional consequences of genetic transformation which need to be considered.
On completion of this module students will:
1. Develop practical skills in genetic transformation supported by an in depth understanding of the process and its applications;
2. Be able to evaluate expression systems for therapeutics and develop processes for production of novel products;
3. Analyse and appraise the major approaches for directed evolution at the molecular and cellular level;
4. Integrate data from multiple sources with a focus in primary research literature;
5. Formulate, argue and support a position regarding genetic modification.
The presentation will enable the development of logical argument in support of a proposition related to current issues of public concern surrounding genetic manipulation and genetic technologies in general.
Topics covered:
- hybrid (chimeric) genes, how they are designed and constructed for science and biotechnology;
- The use of cells as “factories” for the expression of therapeutic compounds;
- The different methods of genetic transformation which are available depending on the species and the application;
- How genetic regions of interest can be identified;
- Case studies of gene therapy, successes, challenges, ethics and regulation;
- Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for forward and reverse genetics.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Demonstration | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Lectures | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Practicals | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 77 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Background reading for lectures and seminars.
Feedback on the presentation and exam essay questions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 10 minute group presentation followed by 10 minute debate | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
The presentations will be set on a genetic topic which is controversial with one pair of students presenting the pro and another pair presenting the con for each topic, followed by a joint discussion, moderated by the monitoring academic, and with questions allowed from all participants in the session. These topics will not be covered in the class and will require critical thinking to identify the important aspects of the arguments required for each presentation. Each session will last a maximum of 2 hours (ideally less) and (depending on student numbers) no more than 4-5 debate topics.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 24.0 Hrs Mins | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.
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