General Unit Information

The structure, function, variation and evolution of DNA and of genomes are examined at both the individual and population levels in a range of organisms, including humans. Topics include: genome structure and approaches to genome analysis; genome projects and bioinformatics; functional and comparative genomics; evolution of gene families and movement of genes from organelle to nuclear genomes; genome variation between individuals and species and its applications in genetics; processes that change the genetic constitution of populations and species during evolution.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Explain how genes are organised in chromosomes and genomes and the implications of this for gene expression and function, how genomes are mapped and sequenced, how genes and genomes are analysed at a molecular level, and the uses of genomics in modern genetic research;
2. Illustrate how DNA and genomes change and the implications of this for evolution and the uses of DNA variation in modern applications such as DNA profiling;
3. Explain how genes behave in populations, describe concepts such as mutation and genetic drift, and illustrate how genetic variation can result in fitness differences that may drive evolution through the process of natural selection;
4. Describe the relevance and value of genetics and genomic to human society;
5. Evaluate basic bioinformatics methods such as sequence alignment in comparative genomics and interpret the statistical results.
6. Demonstrate skills in basic laboratory techniques in problem-solving and experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Specific Unit Information