600-142 Genetics & The Evolution of Life

• Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption from these experiments is not possible.

• Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 600-101, 600-002, 600-015, 600-112 or 600-132.

• This is a joint botany/genetics/zoology subject.

Normally 600-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms. Students are expected to enrol in both biology 600-141 and 600-142.

This subject aims to familiarise you with the modern concepts of genetics, evolution, the nature of diversity and the unity of life.

At the completion of this subject you should be able to:

• understand the basic mechanisms of inheritance, including the relationship between phenotype and genotype, transmission genetics, recombination and mutation;

• know the structure of DNA, its replication and the molecular basis of gene action;

• understand the nature of genetic variation in populations, natural selection, microevolution, reproductive isolation and speciation;

• understand the evidence for the evolution of life including molecular, fossil and phylogenetic data;

• understand and apply the principles of classification; be aware of the diversity of organisms and their relationship to each other and the environment; and

• be aware of the concepts of population ecology, community structure and ecosystem.

Topics studied include the nature of variation, inheritance, genes and chromosomes, human genetics, DNA replication, gene action and expression, population genetics, selection, the genetics of speciation, molecular evolution, evolutionary biology and the origin of life, classification of organisms into five kingdoms (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia), diversity of life, communities, ecosystems and the relationship of organisms to their environment, human impact, preserving habitats and genetic variation.

Students will develop generic skills in:

• manipulating laboratory equipment, in particular using microscopes and gel electrophoresis;

• the recording of observations and the analysis and interpretation of data;

• the statistical analysis of genetic data; and

• accessing information sources and discerning use of the world wide web.

A 3-hour written examination on theory and practical work (80%); work in practical classes (20%). A pass in the practical work is necessary to pass the subject.

• R B Knox, P Y Ladiges, B K Evans and R Saint, Biology. 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill, 2000.