Undergraduate Course: Biology 2B: Genetics and Evolution (BILG08025)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The Genetics and Evolution course will give students an understanding of core concepts in genetics and evolutionary biology, and provide training in the scientific method, data interpretation, problem solving, and quantitative skills. The material will be delivered via a mixture of flipped lectures, workshops and practicals. This course strategically builds on the 1st year biology curriculum and delivery approach. |
| Course description |
The course will cover core concepts in genetics and evolutionary biology including:
DNA replication, repair and recombination.
The origin of heritable variation, inheritance and expression of genetic information.
Genetic analysis techniques
Genetic and phenotypic diversity.
Natural & sexual selection, the origin of species, evo-devo, methods of phylogeny construction, major evolutionary events and coevolution.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 27,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 34,
External Visit Hours 3,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 2,
Revision Session Hours 3,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
127 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
40 %,
Coursework
60 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
In course assessment 60%
Exam (comprising MCQs and problem questions) 40% |
| Feedback |
A course survey will be undertaken towards the end of every semester. Mid-semester feedback will also be sought. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | | 2:00 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | | 2:00 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain how genetic information is replicated, maintained, expressed and transmitted, and how this underpins evolution.
- Understand and apply a broad range of appropriate techniques and strategies to answer questions in genetics and evolution.
- Acquire, critically analyse and interpret a variety of genetic and phenotypic data.
- Advance personal development through enhancement of problem solving skills, autonomous and cooperative working, and self-reflection.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Research and Enquiry
This course aims to increase your understanding of genetics and evolution via a range of learning opportunities. You will be encouraged to pose and explore your own questions on the material each week (Padlet). You will also regularly solve questions set by teaching staff (Weekly Quizzes). The Prior-knowledge test and the Course problem will challenge your solving skills with interesting scenarios. Collaborative research and enquiry will take place throughout the workshops and practicals. The self-guided Zoo visit is based around open ended question to encourage you to think actively and critically about the world around you. We will also offer you options for self-directed learning: papers, podcasts and other media can expand the content of the lectures, according to your interests.
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
You will learn to work independently to meet the challenges of the course. This will mainly occur through the preparation for - and participation in - the interactive sessions. The self-guided zoo visit will allow you to individually reflect on concepts that will later appear in the lectures. Emphasis on individual assessment is present throughout this course. The Prior knowledge test and the Practical summaries will additionally challenge you to make personal decisions in face of inputs from the class cohort and artificial intelligence technologies.
Personal effectiveness
To productively engage with the learning activities of the course, you will need to manage your time well. Completing all the necessary preparatory material beforehand will be essential. Submitting assignments on time is also part of your responsibilities. The assessed portfolio will additionally support the development of a reflective approach to learning. You will need to productively work with and (positively) influence others during group practicals and workshops.
Communication
Through discussion and collaboration with fellow students (in practical and workshop groups) you will be able to communicate views and ideas and to learn from their peers. Opportunities for verbal communication among students (and with staff) have also been incorporated in the interactive, revision and feedback sessions throughout the course. Workshop training and Practical summaries will encourage the development of your writing skills. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
27 Lectures
6 Practicals
1 Zoo Visit
8 Workshops |
| Keywords | genetics,evolution |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Andrea Paterlini
Tel:
Email: apaterli@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Dr Edward Dewhirst
Tel: (0131 6)50 8649
Email: edewhirs@ed.ac.uk |
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