Course Catalogue

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This option will examine and explore the genetic and molecular basis of a range of fundamental biological processes and functions in a variety of important experimental model systems such as yeast, worms, flies, plants, mice and humans. Given the direct association between such biological processes with human diseases and conditions such as cancer and ageing, and important challenges such as food security, the option will investigate how the use of model organisms can be used to understand and research these important processes.

This option is assigned to block S2-A. There is normally 3 hours of teaching on consecutive Mondays. 

Normally, only available to final-year Life Sciences students in a Biomolecular Sciences Programme or Human Life Sciences programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Study Abroad Coordinators and the option organiser. 

None

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%) consisting of a group presentation of a scientific paper (10%) and a written assignment (20%).

The 2-hour examination consists of one compulsory paper analysis question based on a published scientific paper shown to the students approximately five weeks before the exam, and one essay-type question from a choice of five, with one essay choice from each of the five teaching sessions.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of this option are twofold: 

■ To allow students to study current knowledge and research of the molecular mechanisms that control fundamental eukaryotic processes in a range of model organisms;

■ To develop awareness of how this knowledge in model systems translates to understanding key molecular processes relevant to human disease and food security. 

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

■ Appraise how various fundamental process relevant to human disease and food security are regulated in eukaryotic organisms;

■ Describe and critically assess a primary scientific research paper and present their understanding to an audience;

■ Interpret, analyse, and critically evaluate primary research literature data and experimental approaches. 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.