Molecular Genetics & Genomics

This course explores various topics in molecular genetics covering humans, plants, bacteria, viruses and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Focus is given to understanding genetic mechanisms by studying genes, proteins, antisense RNA, sRNA and the role they play in regulatory and biochemical processes. Topics include plasmid biology, regulation of viral lifecycles, bacterial biosynthetic pathways, human genetic disorders, transgenic plants and metagenomics among others. Different and cutting-edge tools in modern day molecular biology are taught with an emphasis on data analyses and interpretation and these include bioinformatics (DNA sequence analysis, assembly, annotation, databases, BLAST, primer design), phylogenetics, Next generation sequencing, RNA sequencing and genome projects.

DP requirements: 50% average for assignments and practical reports; attendance at all practicals and tutorials.

Assessment: Tests count 40%; practicals, tutorials, essays and assignments count 10%; one 3-hour examination written in June counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.

The University of Cape Town awards credits based on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to determine course and contact hour recommendations per course. 1 NQF credit represents roughly 10 notional hours of work which includes study time, assignments and examinations. Notional hours may very per courses depending on the course level and modality therefore, CEA recommends using NQF credits as a basis to determine U.S. equivalencies (1 NQF=.222 semester credits)