Applied Genetics

Overview

Darwinian and non-Darwinian theories of evolution; Revision of Basic Genetic Concepts and Terminology; Integration of Population Genetics and Evolution; Genetic Variation and Polymorphism; Allele Frequencies, Genetic Equilibria, Natural Selection and Adaptation; Mutation; Non-Random Mating; Genetic Drift and Gene Flow; Species, Speciation and Reproductive Isolating Mechanisms; Population Structure; Hybridization and Introgression; The Inheritance and Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Characters; Transgression, Environmental Effects and Heritability; Correlations Between Characters, Genotype, Phenotype and Breeding Values; Types and Uses of Selection; Recombination, Mapping and Genomics; Genetic Variation in Wild and Agricultural Populations; DNA Profiling; Behavioural Genetics; Genetic Conservation; Plant and Animal Breeding Methods and Examples.

Learning Objectives

LO1:- Synthesise current scientific knowledge - Demonstrate a thorough understanding and provide a synthesis of current scientific knowledge on the following topics: theories of the history of life, the concept of biodiversity, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, and Neo-Darwinian theory. This includes integrating diverse sources and perspectives to form a coherent view of evolutionary biology.
LO2:- Interdisciplinary implications - appreciate the importance of these theories to other areas of biology, including the social implications of Darwinian theory. Understand how evolutionary principles inform and intersect with topics like genetics, ecology, and ethology, and recognise their influence on human society and ethical considerations.
LO3:- Methodologies in population genetics and evolution - demonstrate an understanding of the molecular methodologies used to study population genetics and evolution, including basic genetic statistical analysis of molecular data.
LO4:- Phylogenetic reconstruction techniques - critically evaluate the molecular approaches used in the reconstruction of phylogeny. This includes discussing methods like molecular clock techniques and phylogenetic tree construction, assessing their effectiveness and limitations in depicting evolutionary relationships.
LO5:- Evolutionary processes affecting genetic variation - explain key evolutionary processes that influence allele frequencies in populations and evolutionary changes in genomes within and between species. Topics to cover include natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation, and their roles in shaping genetic diversity.
LO6: Applications of population genetics - demonstrate an understanding of population genetics and its practical applications in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, wildlife management, and conservation biology. This should include an understanding of how genetic principles are applied to issues such as crop improvement, disease resistance, species conservation, and managing genetic diversity in wild populations.

Skills

The module should provide students with the following transferable skills: critical appraisal of conflicting theories and literature; summarising and evaluating data from research papers; essay and report writing; extracting information from multimedia sources; problem-solving; experimental design; knowledge and understanding of laboratory techniques for population genetics studies; analysing and evaluating experimental data; use of computer-simulated investigations; bioinformatics; accuracy and thoroughness; time management; teamwork; and understanding the social and economic impact of population genetics.

Assessment

Submission of all coursework elements with a minimum of 40% overall in coursework.
A minimum of 40% in the examination.
An overall minimum of 40% in the module overall.