Handbook

In BIOL215, a range of areas encompassed by genetics and genetic engineering are explored through lectures, student tutorial presentations and experimental practical classes. These include: A history of DNA as the genetic material; Analysis of DNA; Regulation of gene activity in prokaryotes; eukaryotes and bacteriophage; Mechanisms for the rearrangement and exchange of genetic material; Approaches for genetic engineering, including the cloning of DNA, screening of recombinants and the production of a recombinant protein.  The ethics of current and emerging genetic technologies will be considered and the big data generated by ever-improving sequencing technologies discussed. The current and controversial topics of gene editing, genome engineering, and whole genome sequencing will be the focus of the group presentation task which will importantly develop skills in research, and communication alongside peer assessment and self-reflection. Practical skills will be developed through a project that explores the concepts of cloning, sequence analysis and gene regulation, complementing much of the lecture material and providing an opportunity for you to advance your scientific research and writing skills. Both of these tasks foster team-work which is a key professional skill desired by majority of employers. You will capture this skill development in an electronic portfolio.