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BIO301Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Genetics II

This course introduces students to advanced concepts in genetics, building upon foundational knowledge. It covers population genetics, cytogenetics, and variations in plants and animals. Students will explore microbial, biochemical, biomedical, and human genetics, including deviations from basic principles. Pedigree analysis and gene interactions are also examined, providing a comprehensive understanding of genetic principles and their applications in various fields.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Population geneticsCytogeneticsMicrobial geneticsHuman geneticsPedigree analysis

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Population Genetics

2

Cytogenetics

3

Variations in Plants and Animals

4

Microbial Genetics

5

Biochemical and Biomedical Genetics

6

Human Genetics

7

Pedigree Analysis

8

Deviations from Basic Principles

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

BIO201 (Genetics I)

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Genetic Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Biomedical Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Plant Breeder

Apply your skills in this growing field

Bioinformatician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsAgricultureHealthcareBiotechnologyResearch and Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Population Genetics

4h

Unit 1: Population Genetics

4 study hours
  • Define population genetics and its goals.
  • Differentiate between allelic and genotypic frequencies.
  • Solve problems related to allelic and genotypic frequencies.
Week
2

Module 1: Population Genetics

4h

Unit 1: Population Genetics

4 study hours
  • Explain the Hardy-Weinberg principle and its significance.
  • Discuss the factors affecting the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
  • Solve problems related to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Week
3

Module 2: Cytogenetics

4h

Unit 2: Cytogenetics

4 study hours
  • Define cytogenetics and its applications.
  • Describe the structure of DNA and RNA, including nucleotides, complementation, and antiparallel strands.
  • Explain the bacterial chromosome and protein structure.
Week
4

Module 2: Cytogenetics

4h

Unit 2: Cytogenetics

4 study hours
  • Discuss chromosomal aberrations: structural and numerical changes.
  • Explain structural chromosomal aberrations: deletions, duplications, inversions, shifts, and isochromosomes.
  • Describe interchromosomal aberrations: translocations.
Week
5

Module 2: Cytogenetics

4h

Unit 2: Cytogenetics

4 study hours
  • Explain numerical chromosomal aberrations: euploidy and aneuploidy.
  • Differentiate between monoploids and haploids.
  • Discuss polyploidy: autopolyploids, allopolyploids, and segmental allopolyploids.
Week
6

Module 2: Cytogenetics

4h

Unit 2: Cytogenetics

4 study hours
  • Discuss aneuploidy: monosomy, nullisomy, trisomy, and tetrasomy.
  • List the applications of aneuploids in crop improvement and genetic studies.
  • Summarize the terms used to describe heteroploidy.
Week
7

Module 3: Variation in Plants and Animals

4h

Unit 3: Variation in Plants and Animals

4 study hours
  • Explain the causes of variation in plants and animals: inherited and acquired characteristics.
  • Discuss gene mutations and chromosome mutations.
  • Describe genetic variation and genetic reshuffling.
Week
8

Module 4: Microbial genetics

4h

Unit 4: Microbial genetics

4 study hours
  • Explain how genes determine sex.
  • Discuss cell division in bacteria: binary fission, complementation, and antiparallel strands.
  • Describe replication: overview, DNA polymerase, and semiconservative replication.
Week
9

Module 4: Microbial genetics

4h

Unit 4: Microbial genetics

4 study hours
  • Discuss transcription: initiation, elongation, and termination.
  • Explain the components of translation: mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes.
  • Describe the process of translation.
Week
10

Module 4: Microbial genetics

4h

Unit 4: Microbial genetics

4 study hours
  • Explain gene regulation: Trp operon, Lac operon, and negative vs. positive control.
  • Discuss mutations: point mutations (silent, missense, nonsense) and frameshift mutations.
  • Describe mutagens: nitrous acid, base analogs, and UV light.
Week
11

Module 4: Microbial genetics

4h

Unit 4: Microbial genetics

4 study hours
  • Explain mutation rate and mutant isolation: positive and negative selection.
  • Discuss gene transfer: recombination, transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
  • Describe plasmids and transposons.
Week
12

Module 5: Biochemical and Biomedical genetics

4h

Unit 5: Biochemical and Biomedical genetics

4 study hours
  • Describe viral genetics: viral structure, host range, and general lifecycle.
  • Explain bacteriophages: lytic and lysogenic cycles.
  • Discuss biochemical and biomedical genetics: variation in proteins, enzyme deficiencies, and defects of structural proteins.
Week
13

Module 8: Further considerations of various deviations from basic principles

12h

Unit 6: Human Genetics

4 study hours
  • Explain single gene polymorphisms, common variations associated with disease susceptibility, and variations in non-coding DNA.
  • Describe the human karyotype and human chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Discuss human allelic disorders: recessive and dominant.

Unit 7: Pedigree Analysis

4 study hours
  • Explain sex-linked traits and muscular dystrophy.
  • Describe the diagnosis of human genetic diseases: radioactive probes and RFLPs.
  • Define pedigree analysis and its application in human genetics.

Unit 8: Further considerations of various deviations from basic principles

4 study hours
  • Discuss polymorphism: genetic polymorphism, mechanisms of balancing selection, pleiotropism, and epistasis.
  • Explain the origin of supergenes and examples of polymorphism: sexual dimorphism, human blood groups, sickle-cell anaemia, and Duffy system.
  • Describe genetic variation, genetic reshuffling, and how genes determine sex.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and self-assessment exercises to reinforce key concepts.

2

Create detailed concept maps linking population genetics principles (Unit 1) with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (Unit 1).

3

Practice drawing and interpreting pedigree charts (Unit 7) for different inheritance patterns (Units 6 and 7).

4

Focus on understanding the mechanisms of gene transfer in bacteria (Unit 4) and their implications for antibiotic resistance.

5

Study the different types of chromosomal aberrations (Unit 2) and their associated genetic disorders (Unit 6).

6

Allocate specific time slots for reviewing each module, focusing on areas where you struggled with self-assessment exercises.

7

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and practice problem-solving together.

8

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any feedback from your tutor.

9

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions in each unit to aid memorization.

10

Practice applying genetic principles to real-world scenarios and case studies.

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