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Syllabus

BI1422 Genetics, 7.5 Credits

Genetik

Subjects

Biology Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 10 credits Chemistry of which 5 credits are Biochemistry.

Objectives

Genetically determined traits are expressed at different organizational levels from molecular and organism levels to population and species levels. The course therefore studies genetics at several different organizational levels. The course aims to provide basic knowledge of Mendel’s heredity theories, molecular and quantitative genetics. The course provides knowledge about how genetic variation occurs and how it affects higher levels. The course describes genetic conditions for historical and ongoing plant and animal breeding for food production. Methods for studying basic genetics and for applications are discussed.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the structure and composition of the genome

• describe how the genetic material is transferred between cells and generations

• describe the principles behind gene regulation

• analyze different types of inheritance, gene order and linkage between genes

• describe the applications of genetics in plant and animal breeding

• summarize selected literature in genetics and present it in writing and orally

• use basic laboratory techniques in molecular genetics

• interpret results and write laboratory reports

• seek and evaluate scientific information based on a scientific question

• summarize selected literature in genetics and present it in writing and orally

Content

The course deals with genetics, mainly in higher plants and animals. Examples are taken from current genetic literature.

Lectures and compulsory group exercises cover the following sections:

• the genetic information flow: DNA replication, RNA synthesis, RNA splicing and protein synthesis

• cell division and formation of germ cells

• origin and consequences of genetic variation

• Mendelian inheritance theory and its extension

• quantitative genetics

• plant breeding applications for food quantity and quality

During laboratory work and group discussions, current techniques in genetic analysis are treated and in-depth study is done through group assignments on selected topics, which are presented orally and in writing.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written exams and passed accounts of practicals, and approved participation in mandatory activities.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The required course prerequisites in chemistry can be obtained by for instance following the courses Basic Chemistry I, 15 credits (KE0062); Basic Chemistry II, 7,5 credits (KE0063) with at least 10 passed credits of which 5 credits should be Biochemistry. Alternatively, the prerequisite in Biochemistry can be obtained by following the course Biochemistry, continuation 7,5 credits (KE0064) and achieving at least 5 credits. Some parts of the course may be given with English as the main language.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Biology