BBIO411
Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology

ECTS Value: 5 ECTS

Contact Hours: 25

Self Study Hours: 60

Assessment Hours: 40

 

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

The importance of genetics education for biology teachers stems from the fact that genetics is central to life and to all sub disciplines of biology.  course participants often come with misconceptions regarding genetics and this module aims to cover fundamental principles and present-day concepts in genetics. It will equip future biology teachers with a sound knowledge of genetics including applied techniques that are currently in use.

This module, together with the other Biology content modules will provide future biology teachers with the knowledge required to teach the topics covered from SEC up to Advanced Level.

The module unit content will include the following topics:

  • Introduction to genetics including DNA and RNA structure, chromosomes, karyotypes and mutations.
  • Mendelian inheritance genetics including case studies on types of single gene inheritance and the use of pedigrees
  • Dihybrid crosses in pea plants
  • Extensions and exceptions of Mendelian laws with case studies for each type
  • Biotechnology and gene technology principles
  • Gene technology techniques including gel electrophoresis, probes and marker genes.
  • The use of barcoding in species identification with local biodiversity case studies
  • Applications of gene technology including genetic fingerprinting, the human genome project, forensics, GMOs and genetic engineering
  • Ethical issues of biotechnology use

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences

  • a)Apply genetic principles and biotechnology tools to solve real-world problems, particularly in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and conservation biology;
  • b)Extrapolate the relationship between dna structure, mutation, protein function and the development of genetic disorders;
  • c)Interpret genetic inheritance patterns by applying mendelian and molecular principles in complex contexts;
  • d)Evaluate the ethical, environmental, and social implications of genomic research and biotechnological applications, with particular attention to sustainability;
  • e)Create informed responses to contemporary issues in genetics by engaging with scientific literature in genomics and biotechnology;
  • f)Produce educational resources and assessments that assist student understanding of genetic inheritance, molecular tools, and biotechnology applications;
  • g)Ensure that ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing and biotechnological applications are critically evaluated in both local and global contexts.
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Knowledge

  • a)Recall the fundamental principles and terminology of Mendelian genetics and molecular biology, including gene expression and inheritance patterns;
  • b)Explain the role of biotechnology  in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental management, including key techniques such as genetic modification, cloning, and other gene technology principles;
  • c)Describe the use of barcoding in biodiversity identification using local examples from published literature;
  • d)Describe specific applications of gene technology including genetic fingerprinting, the Human Genome Project, forensics, gmos and genetic engineering;
  • e)Differentiate between formative and summative assessments used to assess knowledge of genes, genomes, and applied technologies;
  • f)Describe legal and regulatory frameworks governing the use of genetic data and biotechnology in research and clinical contexts.
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Skills

  • a)Apply Punnett squares and pedigree analysis to solve genetic problems;
  • b)Use simulations and virtual labs to model gene expression and mutation;
  • c)Examine case studies dealing with different modes of inheritance in genetics;
  • d)Use bioinformatics tools to analyse genomic data and interpret results, applying genetic principles to solve practical problems in biotechnology;
  • e)Design genetics-focused resources and assessments that integrate Mendelian principles, genomics, and ethical applications.
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Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Presentation and Assignment

Suggested Readings

Core Reading List

  1. Klug, W. (2017) Essentials of Genetics, Global Edition, 9th Edition or Later. Pearson Education, USA.
  2. Pierce, B. A. (2020). Genetics: A Conceptual Approach (7th ed.). W. H. Freeman.

Supplementary Reading List

  1. Doudna, J. A., & Sternberg, S. H. (2017). A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
  2. Vella, A., Vella, N., & Agius Darmanin, S. (2016). The first record of the African Sergeant, Abudefduf hoefleri (Perciformes: Pomacentridae), in the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Biodiversity Records, 9, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-016-0008-7
  3. Vella, A, Vella, N., & Agius Darmanin, S. (2015). Morphological and genetic analyses confirming the first Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål, 1775) in the Mediterranean Sea. Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment, 21(3), 307–315
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