ANSC20010 Genetics and Biotechnology

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module provides an overview of genetics and biotechnology, particularly as it applies to plant and animal agriculture.

The module covers the following topics:

Genetic consequences of cell division and gametogenesis;
Mendelian genetics and extensions of Mendelian genetics;
Population genetics;
Chromosomal inheritance, recombination and genetic linkage;
Structure and properties of nucleic acids; DNA replication and repair;
The molecular basis of mutation;
The genetic code and the path from gene to protein;
Laboratory manipulation of DNA including gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR);
Molecular cloning using DNA vectors;
Genetic engineering and agriculture;
Reproductive technologies;
Transgenic plants and animals and gene pharming.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Describe the genetic consequences of meiotic cell division and fertilization and explain the particulate nature of the gene. Outline chromosome structure and the concepts of genetic recombination and linkage. Outline nucleic acid structures and conceptualise gene expression. Describe the molecular basis of mutation and mutagenesis. Outline methods used for in vitro laboratory manipulation of DNA. Describe methods used for molecular cloning of recombinant DNA. Outline methods used for genetic engineering in plant and animal agriculture. Discuss practical applications for transgenic plants and animals.

Indicative Module Content:

This module provides an overview of genetics and biotechnology, particularly as it applies to plant and animal agriculture. The module covers the following topics: Genetic consequences of cell division and gametogenesis; Mendelian genetics and extensions of Mendelian genetics; Population genetics; Chromosomal inheritance, recombination and genetic linkage; Structure and properties of nucleic acids; DNA replication and repair; The molecular basis of mutation; The genetic code and the path from gene to protein; Laboratory manipulation of DNA including hybridisation techniques, restriction enzymes and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Molecular cloning using DNA vectors; Genetic engineering and agriculture; Reproductive technologies; Transgenic plants and animals and gene pharming.
On completion of this module students should be able to: Describe the genetic consequences of meiotic cell division and fertilization and explain the particulate nature of the gene. Outline chromosome structure and the concepts of genetic recombination and linkage. Outline nucleic acid structures and conceptualise gene expression. Describe the molecular basis of mutation and mutagenesis. Outline methods used for in vitro laboratory manipulation of DNA. Describe methods used for molecular cloning of recombinant DNA. Outline methods used for genetic engineering in plant and animal agriculture. Discuss practical applications for transgenic plants and animals.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

32
Specified Learning Activities

15
Autonomous Student Learning

55
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Viewing of videos explaining key scientific and technical concepts
Online MCQ assessments delivered using Brightspace
In-class problem-solving exercises.
Self-directed learning using materials provided on Brightspace. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

BMOL20090 - Molecular Genetics and Biotech (Level 2, Semester Semester One, Credits 5)
GENE20020 - Principles of Genetics(Level 2, Semester Semester Two, Credits 5)
VET20050 - Genetics & Animal Breeding(Level 2, Semester Semester One, Credits 5)
GENE30010 - Genetics(Level 3, Semester Semester One, Credits 5)

Learning Recommendations:

Leaving Certificate Biology, A-Level Biology or equivalents.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BMOL20090 - Molecular Genetics and Biotech, GENE20020 - Principles of Genetics, GENE30010 - Genetics, PATH10020 - Basic Principles of Cell Biolo, VET20050 - Genetics & Animal Breeding


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Brightspace-delivered MCQ quiz assessments (1 of 2) Week 7 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

5
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: End-of-semester multiple-choice examination with 50 questions that have five possible answers.
2 marks for a correct answer, -1 mark for an incorrect answer and no mark for an unanswered question.		 2 hour End of Trimester Exam n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

90
Continuous Assessment: Brightspace-delivered MCQ quiz assessments (2 of 2) Week 12 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

5

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students get feedback on MCQ quiz assessments through Brightspace. Students who request feedback on end-of-semester MCQ performance are given feedback information.