Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Genes and Inheritance
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS08103
Module leader: Amy Poole
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

In this module you will learn about the key concepts of genetics and genomics, appreciating the importance of genomics in genetic engineering, disease diagnosis, genome evolution, environmental (e)DNA, population and conservation genetics. You will learn how genes and gene expression are regulated and what happens if these mechanisms fail. You will apply your knowledge in the laboratory, undertaking experiments involving DNA extraction and genetic modification of bacteria. You will also be introduced to bioinformatics and use of virtual laboratory software to mine, analyse and draw conclusions from sequence data. Assessments will help you develop key skills in protocol synthesis, teamwork, problem solving, numeracy and peer reviewing.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Explain the key concepts of genomics and genetics, understand how they are regulated and what happens when mechanisms fail.

LO2: Discuss the evolution of the genome in the context of population genetics.

LO3: Apply bioinformatics to mine and analyse nucleic acid sequence data.

LO4: Carry out laboratory experiments involving extraction, transfer, manipulation and analysis of DNA.

LO5: Demonstrate the ability to design, execute and review scientific protocols.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Amy Poole
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 18 Each week you will have an on-campus lecture on a topic relevant to the module content. Lectures are designed to teach you key concepts and provide foundational knowledge for you to build on during your independent study.
Face To Face Tutorial 6 Tutorials are on campus. In these sessions we will consolidate the lecture material and talk about certain aspects in more detail. You will also be given some questions and exercises to carry out before attending the tutorials to demonstrate application of knowledge. You will gain the following employability skills in the tutorials: critical thinking and written communication skills, group work and oral communication skills, problem solving.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 3 There are two computer-based workshops on the module where you will use bioinformatics and virtual biology laboratory software to mine and analyse genetic data about mutations and population genetics.
Online Guided independent study 167 You will be given guidance for further reading to encourage independent studies and deeper knowledge. This will help you develop your research and scholarship skills.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 6 There are 3 x 2h laboratory classes to equip you with hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques and the collection and analysis of data.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Laboratory report 25 4~5 Week 6 , WORDS= 400 words You will use literature, and other sources, to design a DNA extraction protocol appropriate for execution in the laboratory. Students will then be given each other's protocols to follow in the laboratory class and provide detailed feedback on the accuracy, effectiveness and scientific depth of the protocol.
Laboratory report 25 1~4~5 Week 11 , WORDS= 400 words An in-laboratory assessment. You will complete a conjugation assessment, analysing molecular trait sharing in E. coli. The practical work is completed in pairs. Upon collection of the data, you will work in pairs to accurately record and analyse the data, complete calculations, draw conclusions and make considerations. Your report will be submitted on paper at the end of the laboratory session.
Report 50 1~2~3 Week 13 , WORDS= 1500 words You will be presented with a case study, requiring you to use knowledge and skills developed across the whole module to reach a meaningful conclusion. You will apply knowledge of genomics, mutations, bioinformatics, population and animal genetics in order to answer the problem presented.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS08103 Genes and Inheritance (1)
 

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