City University of Hong Kong. Information on a Course offered by Department of Biology and Chemistry with effect from Semester A 2015 / 2016

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1 City University of Hong Kong Information on a Course offered by Department of Biology and Chemistry with effect from Semester A 2015 / 2016 Part I Course Title: Course Code: Course Duration: No. of Credit Units: Level: Medium of Instruction: Genetics BCH3012 (and BCH3012A) One Semester Four (Three) B3 English Prerequisites: (Course Code and Title) Precursors: (Course Code and Title) Nil BCH2013 or BCH3013 Microbiology Equivalent Courses: (Course Code and Title) Nil Exclusive Courses: (Course Code and Title) Nil Note: BCH3012A does not contain any practical component, and has a credit unit value of three (3). Part II 1. Course Aims: In this course, students will: explore the fundamental relationships between genes and traits in living organisms ranging from viruses to higher eukaryotes; develop an understanding of a range of basic genetic principles and their application to gene mapping in viruses and bacteria; explain the activities and functions of DNA; critically review and evaluate contemporary issues related to recent advances in applied genetics and recombinant DNA technology; This course builds on (and complements) knowledge covered in BCH2003 (Biochemistry), and BCH2013 (Microbiology); and underpins the more advanced concepts and applications that are covered in BCH3017 (Molecular Biology) and final year project (BCH4036). 1

2 2. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. CILOs 1. Describe the basic structure of DNA, and the processes and importance of DNA replication and genetic recombination in living cells. 2. Describe gene and genome organisation and expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; and demonstrate an understanding of how genetic information is stored and expressed in cells, and the way in which phenotype is affected by both genetic and environmental effects. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis of variation and mutation (and relation to evolution and population genetics), of natural and artificial genetic recombination, of extrachromosomal inheritance, of gene dosage compensation and X inactivation, and of genetic analysis and its importance in biology. 4. Discover examples encountered in our daily lives, which involve the application of genetics and recombinant DNA technology and critically evaluate their impact to modern day living. Critically review, discuss and evaluate contemporary issues related to recent advances in applied genetics and recombinant DNA technology. * of assessment weighting under Assessment Tasks/Activities Weighting (if applicable)* 40% 3. Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs) (designed to facilitate students achievement of the CILOs) ILO No CILO 1 CILO 2 CILO 3 CILO 4 TLAs Students will undertake large and small group discussion activities, written assignments, quizzes and presentations related to different models of DNA replication and genetic recombination in viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. In large and small group sessions including written assignments, tutorials and/or laboratory practicals, students will examine the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA and the environmental factors that govern gene expression. Teaching and learning will be primarily by large and small group sessions including quizzes, tutorials and/or laboratory practicals supplemented with case examples to enable students to collect, process, present and interpret molecular genetic data. Through extensive use of Internet resources and investigation of the literature on genetics, students in small groups will apply their knowledge to provide daily life examples related to recent advances in applied genetics (of their choice; e.g. GM foods, genetic basis of cancer, gene therapy or human cloning, etc) and clearly communicate and evaluate their findings orally and in writing. Hours/week (if applicable) 2

3 The TLAs provided above are indicative of the likely activities that students will undertake in this course. Final details of the individual course components, including large and small group teaching sessions, discussions, laboratory practicals and field visits, will be provided in the student course documents distributed at the commencement of the course. 4. Assessment Tasks/Activities (designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs) ILO No CILO 1 CILO 2 CILO 3 CILO 4 Type of assessment tasks/activities Short quizzes, tutorial assignments, laboratory report, and end-of-course examination, which will test the students knowledge of the principles and processes of different models of DNA replication and genetic recombination. Short quizzes, performance in tutorial exercises, laboratory report and end-of-course examination, to assess students ability to demonstrate an understanding of how genetic information is stored and expressed in cells, and how phenotype is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Small and large group discussion, tutorial exercises, laboratory report, and end-of-course examination, to test students ability to analyse, interpret and present genetic data. Essay /oral presentation / blogging and end-ofcourse examination, which require students to describe relevant daily life examples and critically evaluate the impact of recent advances in genetics. Weighting (if applicable) Remarks The below is indicative of the assessment weighting for each CILO. ILO No. Short Quizzes Laboratory Report Tutorial / Discussion Oral presentation /Essay Examination CILO CILO CILO CILO (1 = minor focus on the CILO; 2 = major focus on the CILO) The Assessment Tasks and Activities provided above are indicative of those that students will undertake in this course. Final details of the individual assessment, including short quizzes, discussions, essay assignments, laboratory and field reports, and end-of-course examination, will be provided in the student course documents distributed at the commencement of the course. Starting from Semester A, , students must satisfy the minimum passing requirement for BCH courses: A minimum of 40% in both coursework and examination components. 3

4 5. Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations (Attachment) and to the Explanatory Notes. Grading will be based on students performance in assessment tasks/activities. Allocation of marks will be as follows: Coursework (including short quizzes, laboratory reports, tutorial/discussions, oral presentation and written assignment), 40%; Examination (2 hrs), 60%. Grade descriptions The description is indicative of the grading criteria adopted for assessment purposes: A. Student completes all assessment tasks/activities and can demonstrate excellent synthesis of the principles, processes and characteristics of DNA structure, replication and genetic Provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular basis of variation and mutation, of extrachromosomal inheritance, of regulation of gene activity and of methods of genetic analysis and its importance in biology, with clarity of the explanations, logical and advanced justifications, and creative/personal interpretations and view points. Shows evidence of critical evaluation of gene mapping strategies, DNA functions and activities and originality in thought and argument and solutions to the problems, with effective oral and written communication. B. Student completes all assessment tasks/activities and can describe and explain the principles, processes and characteristics of DNA structure, replication and genetic recombination, and their relationships to storage of genetic information, evolution and function. Provides a detailed, critical analysis of the molecular basis of variation and mutation, of extrachromosomal inheritance, of regulation of gene activity and of methods of genetic analysis and its importance in biology, with accurate, clear explanations and fair justifications. Shows ability in evaluation of strategies in gene mapping, of DNA functions and activities via clear oral and written communication. C. Student completes all assessment tasks/activities and can describe and explain some key elements in the principles, processes and characteristics of DNA structure, replication and genetic recombination, and their relationships to storage of genetic information, evolution and function. Provides simple but accurate explanations of the molecular basis of variation and mutation, of extrachromosomal inheritance, of regulation of gene activity and of methods of genetic analysis and its importance in biology. Shows evidence of use of oral and written communication in description of strategies in gene mapping, of DNA functions and activities. D. Student completes all assessment tasks/activities but only can briefly describe isolated elements of principles, processes and characteristics of DNA structure, replication and genetic Demonstrates limited ability in analysis and justification of factors for the molecular basis of variation and mutation, of extrachromosomal inheritance, of regulation of gene activity and of methods of genetic analysis and its importance in biology, with a lack of integrated understanding of strategies in gene mapping, of DNA functions and activities. Can communicate simple ideas accurately in writing and orally. 4

5 F. Student fails to complete all assessment tasks/activities and/or cannot accurately describe and explain the principles, processes and characteristics of DNA structure, replication and genetic Cannot provide appropriate analysis and satisfactory justifications for the molecular basis of variation and mutation, of extrachromosomal inheritance, of regulation of gene activity and of methods of genetic analysis and its importance in biology, with a lack of integrated understanding of strategies in gene mapping, of DNA functions and activities. May show evidence of plagiarism or inability to communicate ideas. Part III Keyword Syllabus: Chemistry of genetic materials. Gene structure, function and regulation. Genetic variation, evolution and population genetics. Genetics of viruses and bacteria. Eukaryotic genetics Population genetics Applied Genetics Recommended Reading: Text(s): Robert J. Brooker (2005) Genetics: analysis and principles. (2 nd edition), McGraw-Hill Co., Inc., USA. Peter D. Snustad and Michael J. Simmons (2006) Principles of Genetics. (4 th edition), John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Resources: To be provided, as required, in lectures and tutorials. Teaching pattern: Duration of course: one semester Suggested lecture/tutorial/laboratory mix: Lectures: 26H Tutorials: 13H Laboratories/Field trips: 28H 5