Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

Cod y Modiwl: BR17120
Teitl y Modiwl: Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Professor Joanne Hamilton
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Marco Arkesteijn; Dr Scott Tompsett; Dr Dylan Phillips; Dr Ruth Wonfor; Dr Joe Ironside; Dr Ifat Shah; Dr Helen Marshall; Professor David Whitworth

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	In Semester Blackboard test covering the practical material: 1.5 Awr	50%
Arholiad Semester	MCQ Examination: 1.5 Awr	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Blackboard test covering the practical material: 1.5 Awr	50%
Arholiad Ailsefyll	Supplementary MCQ Examination: 1.5 Awr	50%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Describe genetic processes at all levels of organisation (e.g. molecular, chromosomal, population) with reference to appropriate structures and concepts.
Carry out genetic experiments in the laboratory, using appropriate equipment and techniques, and analyse and interpret the resulting data.
Outline the key phases in the evolution of life on Earth, describe the evolution of major groups of organisms and identify the anatomical links between extinct and living life forms.
Compare and contrast the morphology and anatomy of the major groups, be able to identify representatives of the groups and describe their key features and physiological adaptations in the context of environmental conditions. .
Explain how different biological classification systems are defined and used and describe the diversity and evolutionary history of a taxon of organisms through the construction of a basic phylogenetic tree and its interpretation.

Disgrifiad cryno

This module will cover the basic processes and mechanisms that underpin the evolution and development of life on Earth, from molecular and cellular aspects through mechanisms of heredity, to population and organismal evolution. Lectures will cover the basic principles of molecular and cellular genetics, and the processes and signatures of organismal evolution evident in both the fossil record and in the diversity of extant taxa. Practical aspects will cover molecular and cellular genetic processes, as well as the reconstruction of evolutionary history through phylogenetics.

Cynnwys

Genes and heredity
Population genetics
The evolution of life
Palaeobiology and the fossil record
The evolution of extinct and extant patterns of diversity
Classification of life
Reconstructing evolutionary history
Gene expression and development

This content will be delivered through a series of lectures, and assessed via both coursework assignments and a final examination.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Addasrwydd a gwydnwch	N/A
Cydlynu ag erail	Practicals require students to work in small groups / pairs.
Cyfathrebu proffesiynol	Students will develop effective written communication skills in the examination and coursework. Feedback will be given.
Datrys Problemau Creadigol	Practical classes will allow students to gain experience in interpreting and analysing data and writing-up assessed coursework. Students will develop creative approaches to experimental design, critically evaluate their proposed solutions and construct rational proposals in response to experimental challenge. Many exam questions also contain a problem solving element.
Gallu digidol	Students are encouraged to obtain information from recent research publications, accessed using ISI Web of Science and other internet resources for use in their coursework. They will also use online learning resources to explore core principles of taxonomy and phylogenetics, as well as using a variety of software to reconstruct phylogenies.
Meddwl beirniadol a dadansoddol	Students will be expected to utilise critical and analytical thinking throughout the module, from assessing priorities for self-learning and revision, to analysis and interpretation of data gathered through the various practical classes and coursework assignment. Students are also encouraged to reflect on the concepts presented in the taught material to achieve an holistic view of the subject, both within the context of the module and beyond.
Myfyrdod	As highlighted above, students are encouraged to reflect on the concepts presented in the taught material to achieve an holistic view of the subject, both within the context of the module and beyond.
Sgiliau Pwnc-benodol	Laboratory practical classes require students to follow laboratory protocols, use microscopes, prepare slides and interpret data. Students will be able use a variety of software to reconstruct phylogenies. Students will also be able to describe key evolutionary concepts, and describe the related key features of selected examples of unicellular organisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. They will be able to describe core principles underpinning taxonomy, phylogenetics and cladistics.
Synnwyr byd go iawn	Students will be made aware of how the material covered in the module underpins all aspects of the Life Sciences, and how these are fundamental to the real world as a whole e.g. health/medicine, technology, societal progress, etc.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 4