Genetics

This is a second-cycle course in Genetics and is designed to provide an advanced knowledge in Genetics. The course can be included as a part of a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Biology, or as part of a Master's degree in Molecular Biology, or Biology The course is also offered as freestanding
course.

Approved basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology, ecology and biodiversity and systematics, or equivalent. English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. In addition a completed depth course of 15 credits in a relevant area is also required.

The course provides a deeper education in several genetics topics, including all or some of the following: Simple and complex inheritance, Genetic linkage and mapping in eukaryotes, Variations in chromosome structure and numbers, Gene mutations and DNA repair, Human Genetics, Developmental biology, Quantitative genetics, Populations genetics and Evolutionary genetics.
Many parts of the course are built around original primary research articles that are introduced in their historical setting, after which the experimental set up and results are presented then interpreted and discussed in a modern context. A rather ambitious laboratory exercise involving the mapping of mutations in the model organism C. elegans spans several weeks of semi-independent activity by the students.

After completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• Know and understand key concepts in genetics, such as heritability, gene mapping and identification, genetic variation, etc.

Competence and skills

• Be able to read and understand scientific literature in the field of genetics.
• Be able to orally present genetics articles to peers.
• Be able to write a laboratory report in the style of a research article.
• Be able to maintain C. elegans strains, and characterize their phenotypes

Judgement and approach

• Be able to design a gene mapping strategy in C. elegans.
• Be able to critically judge the import of primary articles in the field of genetics.

See above under content.
All items except lectures are compulsory.

Language of instruction: English

A written final exam accounts for 80% of the final grade, A written essay (article-like labreport) accounts for 10% of final grade (must itself receive 60% or better to pass the course) and In-class presentations account for 10% of the final grade.
Missed compulsory sessions may be made up during the course when that is possible, or the next time the course runs.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).
The grades of Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) are awarded based on the following final grade scheme: 0-59% = U; 60-84% = G; 85-100% = VG. Furthermore, the grades G and VG require a minimum of 60% for the lab report.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.