Module: Genetics of Human Inheritance

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Genetics of Human Inheritance
Module Code	BE434
School	School of Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Denise Harold Semester 2: Denise Harold Autumn: Denise Harold
Module Teachers	Paula Meleady Anne Parle-McDermott Denise Harold Linda Holland Ronan O'Toole
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None
Array

Description

The purpose of this module is to build on the principles of genetics and genomics from earlier modules in the programme with a focus on the human genome. Students will develop a good understanding of how this knowledge has been extended and developed to analyse, manipulate and understand the genomes of humans in different populations. This will be achieved by gaining knowledge in human inheritance and genetic variation of both mendelian and non-mendelian traits. Knowledge of how to measure genetic diversity in a population of samples and investigate linkage patterns, selective processes and population admixture. Knowledge of the latest in genome technology and analysis. Students are expected to access online materials and participate in tutorial discussions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and understanding of human inheritance (mendelian and non-mendelian), biometrical and quantitative genetics.
2. Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary approaches to disease gene identification.
3. Relate methods for quantifying mutation co-occurrence.
4. Assess population DNA data using a spectrum of tools and strategies.
5. Calculate various tests for inheritance, association, linkage disequilibrium, genetic diversity and selection.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Topics relating to Human Inheritance and Population Genetics
Tutorial	2	Case Studies
Independent Study	101	Extra reading and revision
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Human Inheritance
An overview of the different types of human inheritance: autosomal, sex chromosomal inheritance, mitochondrial inheritance and epigenetics. Approaches to identifying the genes responsible for monogenic disorders. The latest therapeutic approaches to treating monogenic diseases. An understanding of oligogenic & polygenic inheritance and quantitative & discontinuous traits. How to conduct an association study and utilize the HapMap data. An understanding of linkage disequilibrium. Latest technologies and post-human genome projects. The impact of the environment on the human genome.

Population Genetics
The general aim is to equip students with the capacity to solve problems involving predicting mutation frequencies in a population as they change over time based on neutral expectations. Specifically: Hardy Weinberg equilibrium & genetic diversity. Apply algorithms to infer DNA patterns and linkage disequilibrium. Neutral population variation. Estimating population structure and admixture from DNA changes.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Students will be assessed by 20% CA that may include a combination of Loop Quiz (MCQ and short answer), Assignments and Oral examination.	20%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Strachan and Read: 0, Human Molecular Genetics,
Sudbery: 0, Human molecular genetics,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AFU	Age Friendly University Programme
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BT	BSc in Biotechnology
GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESA	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
IESAO	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Date of Last Revision

01-OCT-08

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