GEN-11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

Celbiologie (CBI-10306)

Contents:

- the Genetic and Molecular Biological Approach to Biology
- single gene inheritance
- Independent assortment of genes
- mapping eukaryote chromosomes by recombination
- gene interaction
- transcription, processing and translation of RNA in Eukaryotes
- proteins and their synthesis
- regulation of eukaryotic gene expression
- genomes and genomics
- large scale chromosomal changes
- gene isolation and manipulation
- population genetics
- quantitative genetics.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the student is expected:
- to comprehend the basic genetic processes: how genes are transmitted, what is the relationship between genotype and phenotype, how genes are expressed, how variation is generated, how genomes are explored, how populations are studied, how quantitative characters are studied, how genetics is applied in life sciences;
- to comprehend the basic molecular biological processes: how eukaryotic RNA is transcribed, processed and translated, how eukaryotic gene expression (transcription) can be regulated, how eukaryotic genomes and genes are organized. - have basic knowledge on tools and methodologies that can be used to study gene expression and to isolate and manipulate genes;
- to know and to be able to explain general genetic and molecular biological terms as these are described in the appropriate chapters of the textbook (in other words, to be able to understand and to speak the genetic and molecular biological language at a basic level);
- to have basic knowledge of and be able to solve problems on the following topics: patterns of inheritance, eukaryote chromosome mapping, transfer of bacterial genes, gene interactions, the consequences of chromosomal changes, principles of DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation and the regulation thereof, RNA transcription and processing, DNA cloning, hybridization and PCR, genomics, genetic changes in populations, and the genetic approach of quantitative characters;
- to be able to judge genetic aspects of societal questions.

Activities:

- attending lectures (introduction to the subjects);
- participation in tutorials/computer modules as help to study the textbook;
- attend training in solving problems;
- self-study of the textbook;
- discovery of some genetic and molecular biological principles by using computer simulation (case study);
- write a brief report on a case study.

Examination:

Written exam with open questions and problems, and some multiple choice questions may be part of the exam.

Literature:

Textbook: Griffiths et al., An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 9th edition. (WUR shop or Kniphorst Bookshop). Student guide: description of the details of the course. (WUR shop)
Lecture notes (ppt's) will be published on EDUweb.