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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
163
Human genetics
COURSE CODE:
PLACES 2011:
POINTS 2010:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR073
15
520
B.A.
Special Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate
OC3 or HD3 Mathematics
HC3
In two of physics,
biology, chemistry,
physics/chemistry,
mathematics
and applied
mathematics
GCSE
Grade B
Mathematics
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade C
In two of physics,
biology, chemistry,
mathematics
and applied
mathematics
Combinations not permitted:
Physics/chemistry with physics or chemistry
Applied mathematics with mathematics
Human genetics (TR073) focuses on the genes of
humans, while the Genetics option in Science (TR071)
examines plant, human and other animal genes.
Students who apply for the general-entry Science course
(TR071) have the option of selecting Genetics as their
specialist subject for the Sophister (third and fourth) years
of the course. See page 148.
What is Human genetics?
Human genetics is the study of genes – or heredity – in humans.
It also examines the effects of these genes on both individuals
and societies. It has developed rapidly in the last decade as new
technology has made it possible to study genes in much greater
detail. Examples of remarkable advances in knowledge include:
n
The discovery of the molecular basis of many inherited
disorders
n
The development of genetic and stem-cell-based therapies
for inherited disorders
n
The ability to trace the evolution of mankind
n
The application of DNA finger-printing to forensic science
Is this the right course for you?
Human genetics is a knowledge-driven, dynamic and exciting
field. As most graduates of this programme go on to careers in
research, you must be prepared to take this route as a career
option.
Course overview
This course provides you with a strong base in the basic
sciences of biology, chemistry and mathematics, as well as in
the classical principles of genetics – molecular, population and
quantitative genetics, bioinformatics and molecular evolution.
Over the four-year period of your degree programme, the
course will also demonstrate the importance of studies in
model organisms, especially the mouse. Seminar and tutorial
programmes, organised with staff from various disciplines,
are an integral part of your studies, and encompass such
subjects as the interactions between genetics and the social
sciences, ethics, linguistics, philosophy and law, and the general
relationship between genes, society and culture.
The Freshman years
In the Junior and Senior Freshman (first two) years you will
concentrate on the areas of biology, chemistry and mathematics,
and will also be introduced to the principles of genetics in
separate tutorials.
In each of the first two years you will take some of the
same courses as Science students: biology, chemistry and
mathematics in the Junior Freshman (first) year and biology
modules BY2201, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2208 and 2209, chemistry
and mathematics in the Senior Freshman (second) year – see
page 140-142. In addition you will have a weekly genetics
tutorial with faculty from the Department.
The Sophister years
In the 3rd and 4th years you will undertake specialised studies
in areas such as:
n
Medical genetics:
includes the identification of genes
causing various clinical disorders and the development
of genetic and stem-cell therapies to treat them
n
Neurogenetics:
studies how genes control development
and function of the nervous system and their influences
on behaviour and psychiatric disease
n
Molecular and cell biology:
explores the control of
gene expression and function of genes in various cellular
processes, such as cell death, proliferation or differentiation
n
Computer programming:
provides an essential skill for
this field, where large amounts of data must be analysed,
and one which is easily transferable to other careers
n
Population genetics and human evolution:
deals with
genetic variation in populations and the role of this variation
in evolution, especially in humans
n
Cancer genetics and mutation:
studies the mechanisms
of mutation and its role in cancer
Subjects are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials
and practical courses.