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Information for module biol3012

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Module code:BIOL3012(Add to my personalised list)
Title:Sex, Genes and Evolution
Credit value:.5
Division:Division of Biosciences
Module organiser:PROF A POMIANKOWSKI
Organiser's location:Biological Sciences
Organiser's email:a.pomiankowski@ucl.ac.uk
Available for students in Year(s):3,
Module prerequisites:None 
Module outline:A lecture and seminar course on modern aspects of evolutionary genetics and sociobiology. The course will concentrate on (a) the evolution of sex and its consequences and (b) evolutionary conflicts between individuals and genes within individuals. A wide range of topics will be covered including: the evolutionary origins of sexual reproduction; the maintenance and consequences of selfish genetic elements (meiotic drive genes, cytoplasmic genes, transposable elements, B chromosomes); the evolution of sex chromosomes; the evolution of distinct sexes; the origin and evolution of social insects; sexual selection; sperm competition; genomic imprinting; the inheritance of acquired characters; the biology of ageing. The course is designed to attract students from a diverse range of backgrounds. In previous years, students have attended from Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Human Genetics, Human Sciences, Intercalated Medical Students, Zoology and the Human Evolution MSc. 
Module aims:To introduce students to an advanced understanding of current scientific research in evolutionary genetics. 
Module objectives:Students will be given the opportunity to learn: - about the major topics of debate in evolutionary genetics - how theoretical and experimental investigation have contributed to understanding - how to read and critically understand primary research papers - how to write short essays using primary research papers - the basic forces giving rise to social behaviour - how cooperative behaviour arises between genes within an organism - key evolutionary impact of selfish genetic elements - the principles behind the origin of sexes - the maintenance of sexual reproduction - how mate choice has caused the evolution of sexual traits, both properties of sperm and male ornamentation - why ageing occurs - about the possibility of directional mutation in bacteria - how genomic imprinting evolves. 
Key skills provided by module: 
Module timetable:https://cmis.adcom.ucl.ac.uk:4443/timetabling/moduleTimet.do?firstReq=Y&moduleId=biol3012 
Module assessment:Coursework 40.00%.
Unseen two-hour written examination 60.00%.
 
Notes:To register for this module for the 2012/13 academic year please ensure you meet the prerequisites listed above (where applicable) and, if you do, select it using Portico and await Teaching and Parent Department approval. 
Taking this module as an option?: 
Link to virtual learning environment(registered students only) 
Last updated:2012-07-17 15:40:20 by