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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Reference PL2903 Version 1
Created October 2022 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved June 2023 SCQF Points 30
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide students with the ability to discuss the fundamental aspects of genetics and molecular biology and their significance to forensic, biomedical and biological science.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Apply the principles of genetic inheritance to predicting phenotypic outcomes of inherited characteristics and disorders.
2 Explain the role of molecular biology in genetic investigations, gene screening and gene therapy techniques.
3 Describe the processes required for and the factors affecting gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
4 Explain in detail the methods employed for nucleic acid analysis and constructing recombinant DNA.

Indicative Module Content
Genetic inheritance patterns, autosomal and sex-linked genes, pedigree analysis, blood group inheritance, population genetics, cytogenetics. chromosomal abnormalities, multifactorial inheritance, genetic screening, gene therapy. Genomes, nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA, chloroplast DNA. Gene expression, gene structure and gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mutation and mutagens. Epigenetics. Nucleic acid analysis: DNA and mRNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, restriction digestion, sequencing, hybridisation, gene cloning, gel electrophoresis. The laboratory programme will consist of core molecular biology experiments used for DNA analysis. Application of genetics and molecular biology in the context of forensic science, biomedical science and nutrition.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture based module supplemented with tutorials and practical laboratory classes.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 65 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 235 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 300 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Closed book examination

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 (CW1) comprises 100% of the module grade. A minimum of a Grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None, in addition to SCQF level 8 entry requirements or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 GRIFFITHS, A.J.F. et al. 2011. An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. 1st Edition. Freeman.
2 LEWIS, R. 2017. Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications. 1st Edition. McGraw-Hill.
3 BROWN, T.A. 2020. Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: an Introduction. 8th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781