2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY3153 Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics

20 Credits Class Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Stephanie Wright
Email: s.c.wright@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Some genetics at Level 1.

Module replaces

BLGY3152

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

Students should gain understanding of current research in a range of topics in human genetics.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students will be able to;
- demonstrate detailed subject knowledge - demonstrate a conceptual understanding that enables the development of an argument;
- appreciate the limitations of knowledge in human genetics;
- apply their knowledge and understanding to carry out an extended piece of work or project;
- use the transferable/key/generic skills necessary for employment related to human genetics;

There will be a combination of live lectures and recorded videos that have been specifically adapted for online delivery. There will also be live sessions for discussion of specific research papers. Student understanding will be assessed continuously throughout the course, both through these sessions and via the assessed coursework. There will be timetabled sessions to provide coursework feedback.

Skills outcomes

The assessed coursework will provide experience in sourcing, selecting and interpreting data, and in presentation of logical arguments.

Syllabus

Topics covered:
- Telomeres: basic biology, inherited genetic disease, ageing and cancer;
- Epigenetics: epigenetic mechanisms in normal human physiology and disease, including cancer;
- DNA damage, repair and recombination, including mechanisms leading to genome instability;
chromosome syndromes, molecular cytogenetics, stratified medicine.
- Recombination and generation of diversity in the immune system;, including in cancer;
- Cancer genomes, including mutagenic processes, mutational signatures, epigenetics, targeted therapies, tumour evolution;
- Clinical aspects: , including chromosome syndromes, molecular cytogenetics, prenatal diagnosis, cancer cytogenetics, stratified medicine, molecular genetic diagnosis and examples of genetic testing.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Private study hours 168
Total Contact hours 0
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 168

Private study

- 168 hours consolidating lectures, online learning and coursework preparation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

There will be one piece of assessed coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment Essay 33
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 33

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 24.0 Hrs 0 Mins 67
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 67

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: 5/3/2024

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