This course introduces students to concepts of molecular genetics that are fundamental to molecular and cell biology. Topics covered will include genome organisation and gene structure of viruses, plasmids, bacteria (including plasmids), transposons, plants and animals; horizontal gene transfer, mechanisms of heredity; prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene structure and information transfer as applied to viruses, plasmids, bacteria, plants and animals; basic cell signalling in bacteria, plants and animals; principles of evolutionary genetics.

DP requirements: 40% test average; 50% average for assignments; attendance at practicals.

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

*Course content subject to change