Course Description
This course introduces the basic principles of classical genetics, molecular genetics and epigenetics and explains how biological information is stored and expressed. Students will understand how changes in genetic information (e.g. deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA)) will affect gene function and may lead to diseases and learn about what information can be obtained from deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) sequencing. Topics covered include inheritance, gene structure, expression and regulation, molecular genetic techniques, population and evolutionary genetics, followed by a discussion of the role of epigenetics in biological phenomena.
Intended Learning Outcomes
CILO-1: Describe the Mendelian and non-Mendelian modes of inheritance.
CILO-2: Describe the molecular process of gene expression from deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) to protein and the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling gene expression.
CILO-3: Describe the effects of mutations on gene expression and function.
CILO-4: Use current techniques to identify genetic variations and disease causing mutations.
CILO-5: Recognize the basic concepts of genetic variations, natural selection and evolution.
CILO-6: Explain how epigenetic factors modify the genome and regulate gene expression.
CILO-7: Use the current models of the inheritance of epigenetic changes.
CILO-8: Recognize the involvement of epigenetics in the development of human diseases.
CILO-9: Use the basic methods of epigenetic research.