Module manager: Jurgen Denecke
Email: j.denecke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics |
BLGY3109
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module has an approach which incorporates both practical classes and lectures. The practical component is devoted to conveying advanced practical skills in genetic engineering, transfection and transformation techniques as well as recombinant protein analysis in practical classes and workshops. The lecture series takes advantage of cutting-edge research at Leeds covering timely topics in cell biology, developmental biology, and classic genetics. Applications of genetics in medicine and biotechnology complement the crucial role of genetics in fundamental science. Assessment involves testing practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as problem-solving and presentational skills. The rationale is to provide a course that directly prepares students for employment in industry, the health sector and academia.
The module provides students with a thorough understanding of how genetics and genetic engineering is currently applied in a wide variety of scientific settings as well as medicine and the bio-industry.
The key objectives are:
1. To familiarise students with advanced genetic engineering, transfection and transformation, following an entire process from the beginning to the end in regular practical sessions.
2. To use specific case studies to illustrate how genetic approaches can have different impacts, including loss-of-function, gain of function and altered function genetics.
3. To introduce students to classical breeding methods applicable to crop-improvement
4. To critically discuss examples of biotechnology and medicine such as gene therapy in order to appreciate successes, challenges, failures as well as ethics considerations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Plan and execute genetic engineering strategies, ranging from standard subcloning to insertions, deletions, point mutagenesis as well as fusions.
2. Critically evaluate research findings, explore controversial topics, and understand that often multiple approaches in parallel can offer a higher probability of avoiding erroneous models.
3. Apply knowledge of the crucial role of genetics in medicine, biotechnology and breeding crops to broad issues.
4. Present and debate of complex information, using effective methods to engage an audience and make a coherent case.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Critically analyse of experimental results, including method troubleshooting and implementing repetitions when necessary.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in academic writing to explain complex concepts in genetics and build arguments to critique a body of research.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Practical | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A formative project report about a portion of the practicals that forms a coherent series of milestones will be read and commented on, followed by a constructive feedback session with the students during a later practical.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Debate in front of audience | 20 |
| Coursework | Mixed approach Online Time-Limited Assessment containing some structured written questions and some practical questions. | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The coursework consists of time-tabled 2-hour sessions for each academic on the course, hosting a group of students for the public debate. This is not included as staff time or student time because it is an assessment, not a teaching activity.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 07/03/2025
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