Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Advanced Skills in Genetics
Code LIFE319
Coordinator Dr KL Hammond
School of Life Sciences
K.Hammond@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 30

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE201; LIFE208; LIFE226 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   2

 11

     36

3
Poster session
52
Timetable (if known)   This refers to attending research seminars. 1 seminar, plus a chance to meet the seminar speaker, is timetabled. The others are of the students own choice.
  		This refers to approximately fortnightly tutorials
  		    This refers to problem solving/instructional workshops of 1-2 hrs length
This refers to scheduled time to attend poster presentations
  		 
Private Study 248
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  4 hrs (2 x 2 hrs)  Semester 1 and 2  50  Yes    Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1000 words plus semi  Semester 1 and 2  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Research evaluation 
Coursework  1000 words plus 10 m  Semester 1 and 2  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Presentations  
Coursework  2500 words   Semester 2  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Research proposal 
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 1   10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay writing Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will consist of data handling exercises, performed under examination conditions. Assessment 2 will include a journal club report, seminar records and seminar synopsis. This assessment cannot be anonymous as it is done by the tutor. Assessment 3 will include a group poster presentation, individual talks and mock job application. This cannot be done anonymously as it includes a presentation. Assessment 4 consists of a mock research proposal. This cannot be done anonymously because it is marked by the tutor. Assessment 5 consists of essay writing. This cannot be marked anonymously as it is done by the tutor. 

Aims

  • To enable students to critically evaluate scientific information in the context of genetics, including that obtained from the published literature, research seminars and on-line genetic databases

  • To familiarise students with topical issues and ethical considerations in genetics and develop problem solving skills in relation to experimental, bioinfomatic, medical and forensic methods in genetics

  • To provide advice and guidance for career development and employment in the field of genetics, and allow students to develop transferable skills that are valued by employers

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To access and critically evaluate scientific information, including that reported in the published scientific literature, research seminars and bioinformatic databases

    To communicate scientific concepts, facts and data to a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing

    To discuss current genetic technologies, topical issues and ethical considerations

    To analyse and evaluate genetic data (experimental, bioinformatic, patient and forensic) to draw appropriate conclusions

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Seminar -

    This refers to attending research seminars. 1 seminar, plus a chance to meet the seminar speaker, is timetabled. The others are of the students own choice.

    Tutorial -

    This refers to approximately fortnightly tutorials

    Workshop -

    This refers to problem solving/instructional workshops of 1-2 hrs length

    Other - Poster session

    This refers to scheduled time to attend poster presentations


    Syllabus
    1 

    Part (1): Workshops
     
    Data analysis workshops (9 sets): The format for each set of workshops will be an initial 2 hour workshop to introduce the topic and data analysis appropriate to the topic. Students will then independently carry out formative data analysis exercises and will receive feedback on these in a second 1-2 hour workshop.
     
    Topics include:
     
    ·         Bioinformatics
    ·         Molecular Genetics (eg cloning, nucleic acid analysis, genetic toxicology, genomics)
    ·         Forensics (using genetics as a tool in crime scene investigation)
    ·         Medical and Clinical Genetics (eg Cytogenetics, medical diagnostics, the andrology laboratory, genetic counselling)
     
     
    The workshops will be delivered by experts in each field, some of whom will be external visitors. Many of the workshops will include careers advice related to the area of that tutorial.

    Skills workshops (3): One each on CVs/applications, presentation skills and research proposal writing.

    Part (2): Tutorial Component (Tasks based around a specific area of Genetics, selected by each tutor)
     
    11 tutorials occurring approximately fortnightly. A group of 5-6 students works with one academic throughout the module. Each tutorial group has a set topic chosen by the academic running the group. Students select a tutorial group at the beginning of the module, although the final allocation may not be their first choice. Example topics include the genetics of ageing, zebrafish models of disease, synthetic biology, cancer predisposition and stem cell biology.
     
    Outline of tutorial syllabus:
     
    1.    Employability: Writing a successful job/postgraduate course application.
     
    2.    Evaluating current primary literature: Reading, evaluating, discussing and presenting the published scientific literature in genetics.
     
    3.    Writing skills: Writing essays that successfully synthesise, evaluate and communicate the published literature relevant to a specific question in genetics.
     
    4.    Examination technique:  Approaching exam questions in a variety of formats and understanding the marking criteria used to mark these exams.
     
    5.    Poster presentation: Designing and presenting a poster to successfully communicate topical aspects of genetics.
     
    6.    Mock research proposal and presentation: Writing and presenting a successful research project proposal.
     
    7.    Research seminars: Attending research seminars and keeping an accurate and detailed seminar record.

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: