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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Biomedical Sciences : Integrative Biomedical Sciences (Zhejiang)

Undergraduate Course: Biomedical Genetics 2 (IBMS08006)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Biomedical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryBiomedical Genetics 2 aims to investigate the basis of modern human molecular genetics. The course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the organisation of the human genome and the regulation of the expression of genes and their functions. It will develop this through evaluation of experimental approaches and genomic technologies used in the analysis of the structure and expression of genes including the use of model organisms. Approaches for identifying causative genes underlying human disease and characterisation of their functions, and the potential for genetic treatment of disease will be addressed.
Course description Biomedical Genetics 2 will provide a foundational knowledge and understanding of the structure and organisation of eukaryotic genes including the organisation of the human genome and how this contributes to mutation, variation and function. The course will provide an overview of the regulation of gene expression by transcription, chromatin, mRNA stability, translation and post-translational processing, incorporating evaluation of the roles of promoters, polymerases, and transcription factors. It will evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying replication, repair and recombination of DNA and the importance of the accuracy of these processes in relation to the different types of DNA damage and the diseases that result from defective repair mechanisms. Key to developing this knowledge will be a parallel development in understanding of experimental approaches and genomic technologies used in the analysis of the structure and expression of genes and genomes including the use of model organisms. Approaches for identifying causative genes underlying human disease, the genetic manipulation of animals for modelling disease and investigating gene function and genetic approaches to treating disease will also be addressed alongside encouraging an awareness of projects, and their implications, investigating the human genome, population screening, genetic testing of individuals, pharmacogenetics and its applications.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements Course delivered in China at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute. Only open to students on BSc Integrative Biomedical Sciences.
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2020/21, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 30, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 20, Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 15, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 10, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 121 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 40 %, Coursework 60 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Exam: 40% total course mark
Coursework: 60% total course mark, including: practical work assessment and data analysis and interpretation
Feedback Discussion and consolidation sessions each week provide opportunities to provide feedback on learning and skill development and all formats of assessed work. Written formative feedback will be provided as key academic skills are developed particularly in academic writing, data presentation and analysis skills. Feedback will also be given following the summative evaluation of in-course assessments.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. discuss the structure and organisation of eukaryotic genes including the significance of the organisation and structure of the human genome. Provide insight into the different forms of regulation of gene expression and the molecular mechanisms underlying replication, repair and recombination of DNA.
  2. evaluate the experimental approaches and genomic technologies used in the analysis of the structure and expression of genes and genomes including the use of model organisms. Explain approaches for investigating genetic causes underlying human disease including identification of causative genes and DNA damage / defective repair mechanisms.
  3. discuss the genetic manipulation of animals for modelling disease and investigating gene function.
  4. analyse genetic data and to carry out genetic experiments.
  5. discuss projects investigating the human genome, population screening, genetic testing of individuals, pharmacogenetics and its applications, and genetic approaches to treating disease.
Reading List
Individual sources linked to lecture series.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills A major focus will be on the development of the skills students require to support their learning throughout their university career in particular the development of use of scientific language and communication skills. The course will embed opportunities to encourage the development of graduate attributes and autonomous learning skills including information gathering, academic writing and reflective practice. Student support in these areas will be focused on the key provision of staged formative feedback and assessment practice. Tutorials and small group work based around developing key themes will promote skill development in: how to research a subject; academic writing; making lecture notes; effective reading; understanding expectations in addition to allowing development of an understanding of how skills that promote learning in a group format can facilitate the development as an independent learner in a learning community. A clear emphasis on formative feedback will be embedded in course activites.
KeywordsBiological Sciences,Biomedical Sciences,molecular biology,human genetics,genetics.
Contacts
Course organiserDr John Menzies
Tel: (0131 6)51 1711
Email: John.Menzies@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Natasha Goldie
Tel:
Email: natasha.goldie@ed.ac.uk
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