Course overview
The DNA molecules that comprise the informational basis of inheritance in living organisms are collectively referred to as the genome. In this course the organisation, origin and mechanisms of change of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes are explored using cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses. Topics include - structure and function of genomes and chromosomes; chromosomes in disease; the roles of natural selection and chance as drivers of molecular evolution.
Course learning outcomes
- Knowledge at an advanced level of: the origin, structure, function and evolution of genomes and chromosomes; molecular phylogenetics; and the roles of chance, mutation and natural selection in evolution at the molecular genetic level
- The ability to interpret the primary scientific literature in cytogenetics and evolutionary genetics.
- Application and integration of knowledge specified in 1 through microscopy techniques and computational methods