Aims and Fit of Module

This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and principles of evolution and genetics. Lecture contents will cover the Darwinian theory of evolution and the theory of natural selection along with the molecular contribution of genetics to these processes. Furthermore, processes that occur to produce variations in the offspring, interpretation of patterns of inheritance and the identification and explanation of non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance-mutation and pathway analysis will be covered.

Learning outcomes

A. Recall the evidence to support Darwinian theory of evolution


B. Illustrate the principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection

C. Outline the contributions of evolution at different levels in Genetics which allow evolution at the organism level possible

D. Define the molecular processes that occur to produce variations in the offspring


E. Interpret the patterns of inheritance

F. Recall the identification and explanation of non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance-mutation and pathway analysis


G. Apply genetic mapping to acquire the ability to evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in biology.

Method of teaching and learning

Module content will be delivered primarily via standard lectures with all lecture notes made available to students. Guidance for reading materials will also be provided if needed. It's recommended that if the students realize that they need further help in order to understand all the materials in this module, they should use all resources including reading on their own, discussing with fellow students, and going to see the lecture, to first identify the nature of the problems and develop efficient way of solving them.