Course overview
This course aims to provide students with knowledge of genetics with examples and applications including those relevant to the areas of agricultural science and viticulture. Three main topic modules will be considered: i) Mendelian Inheritance, ii) Population and Quantitative Genetics, and iii) Molecular Genetics. Students will learn about genomes and gene structure, modes of inheritance, recombination and linkage, gene expression and control, population genetics, selection and inbreeding and breeding for plants and animals. The role and impact of new and advancing technologies on the field of genetics will also be investigated.
- Mendelian Genetics
- Population Genetics
- Molecular Genetics
Course learning outcomes
- Explain how Mendel’s Laws underpin the way that genes are inherited including explaining the different modes of inheritance.
- Explain the relationship between environment, genotypes and phenotypes and understand how to measure and predict changes in populations.
- Understand the structure of eukaryotic genes and how gene expression can be controlled.
- Discuss the use of genetics as well as the role and impact of new and advancing DNA biotechnologies on agriculture, viticulture and/or society more generally.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team for group assessment tasks.
- Demonstrate competence in practical skills and techniques commonly used in genetic research and analysis. This includes PCR, preparation of reagents and use of scientific equipment to collect data for interpretation, analysis and presentation.