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 and sexual selection, the origin of species, evo-devo, methods of phylogeny construction, major evolutionary events and coevolution.
If you would like to enrol a student onto this course, please first check the pre-requisites. If the student is eligible, please contact the UG Manager in the BTO (Caroline.Aspinwall@ed.ac.uk) and we will advise if there is capacity.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | This is a Year 2 course; students are expected to have an academic profile equivalent to our entrance requirements. The required subjects for this course are an equivalent to Scottish Advanced Higher Biology and Chemistry, plus either Maths or Physics. Visiting Students should have undertaken courses at their home university that provide equivalent Biology knowledge to the pre-requisite courses taken by UoE Biological Sciences students in Year 1 (see the course information for BILG08020/BILG08021/BILG08015). |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 27,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 37,
Revision Session Hours 5,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
127 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
50 %,
Coursework
50 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
In course assessment 50%
Prior Knowledge Test (2.5%)
Data Handling Problem (15%)
Practical Summaries (Scientific Abstracts) Peer Feedback (2.5%)
Practical Summaries (Scientific Abstracts) (15%
Portfolio (15%)
Exam 50%
Section A - Multiple Choice Questions (50%)
Section B - Problem Based Questions (50%) |
| 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 |
Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | Biology 2B Exam | 120 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | Biology 2B Exam | 120 | |
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 |
Skills for Success Framework
The Skills for Success Framework (SfSF) has been developed to align with the University's Strategy 2030 commitment to 'support and promote teaching that focuses on experience, employability and an understanding of the value of creativity, curiosity, and even failure'. This course aims to increase your understanding of genetics and evolution via a range of learning opportunities. Here are some of the skills you will develop during the Bio2B course.
Curiosity & Individuality. You will be encouraged to pose and explore your own questions on the materials (via Padlets). We will offer you options for self-directed learning: papers, podcasts and other media to expand the content of the lectures, according to your interests. The Prior-knowledge test will help you recognise and value your previous course experiences. Revision Quizzes will be similarly useful to check and strengthen your personal understanding.
Critical Thinking & Problem solving. You will be asked to apply knowledge and creativity to address questions and problems in the interactive sessions. The Prior-knowledge test and the Data-handling problem will similarly challenge your solving skills with interesting scenarios. Collaborative research and enquiry will also take place throughout the workshops and practicals.
Adaptivity & Reflection. To 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 will also part of your responsibilities. The assessed portfolio will support the development of a reflective approach to learning.
Collaboration & Communication. Through discussion with fellow students (in practical and workshop groups) you will explore diverse concepts. You will work with and learn from your peers. The Peer-feedback exercise will offer you an opportunity to (positively) influence the practice of others. Opportunities for verbal communication among students (and with staff) will be provided throughout the course. Workshop training and Practical summaries will additionally develop your writing skills.
Inclusivity & Data and digital literacy. You will be encouraged to explore, and constructively discuss, contentious and complex biological topics throughout the course. We will also encourage you to consider ethical aspects of data and to use technological tools appropriately. The workshops will challenge you to make decisions when faced with the outputs of AI. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
27 Lectures
7 Practicals
8 Workshops |
| Keywords | genetics,evolution |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Jobran Chebib
Tel:
Email: jchebib@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Dr Edward Dewhirst
Tel: (0131 6)50 8649
Email: edewhirs@ed.ac.uk |
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