GEN-11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

CBI-10306 Cell Biology.

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:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the basic genetic and molecular biological processes in eukaryotes: transmission of genetic information, the relationship between genotype and phenotype, the regulation and expression of genes, the generation of variation, the organization of genomes and genes;
- summarize the basic genetic methods: how genomes are explored, how populations are studied, how quantitative characters are studied, how genetics is applied in life sciences;
- recall tools and methods to study gene expression and to isolate, analyze and manipulate genes;
- recall and 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);
- explain and interpret genetic experiments and observations, e.g. to recognize and analyze patterns of inheritance, gene interactions, consequences of chromosomal changes, genetic changes in populations, and quantitative characters;
- analyse and judge the use of genetics in 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;
- perform computer simulation (case study) to discover some genetic and molecular biological principles;
- write brief reports on case studies.

Examination:

- written closed book exam with open questions (accounts for 80% or 100% of the final mark, minimum mark required is 5).
- participation mark: Active participation and case reports (20%).
When the mark for the written test is higher than the participation mark the final mark will be based on the written test only.

Literature:

Textbook: Griffiths [et al.]. An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 10th ed. (WUR-shop or Kniphorst Bookshop).
Student guide: description of the details of the course. (WUR-shop)
Lecture notes (ppt's) will be published on MyPortal.