This genetics and molecular biology course considers the attributes of genetic material and the role of genes in determining the characteristics of organisms including microbes and vertebrates, individual variation, mechanisms of inheritance, natural selection, and artificial selection in breeding programs. Topics will include: the distinction between genotype and phenotype, meiosis and Mendel’s Laws, Mendelian inheritance, modes of inheritance, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, genetic linkage, recombination and genetic mapping, types and sources of genetic variation, heterosis and hybrid vigour, gene structure and function, gene expression and regulation, epigenetics, mutations, inherited defects, genetic testing, and genetically-modified organisms.

Continuous Assessment: 45%

Examination: 55%

Examination Duration: 3 hours

Minimum Passing Requirement : A minimum of 30% in coursework as well as in examination, and the total minimum passing requirement for the whole BVM course is 50%.