University Taster

Biology – University Taster

  1. 1: Prerequisites
  2. 2: Genetics
    1. 2.1 What is DNA?
    2. 2.2 The Genius of Sir Alec Jeffreys: Genetic Fingerprinting
    3. 2.3 The Ingenuity of CRISPR-Cas9
  3. 3: Microbiology
  4. 4: Parasitology
  5. 5: Data Analysis
  6. 6: Next Steps
  7. References
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If you’re interested in a biosciences degree, then you would’ve come across DNA before. If genetics is peaking your interest for the first time, then welcome!

In this genetics module, we’ll introduce you to the blueprint of life itself: DNA. You’ll learn how it carries the instructions for all living organisms and how its discovery transformed biology. We’ll also explore the groundbreaking work of Sir Alec Jeffreys and his invention of genetic fingerprinting, a technique that revolutionised fields like forensics and medicine. Finally, we’ll look at the cutting-edge tool CRISPR-Cas9, a technology that allows precise gene editing, opening new doors in genetic research and therapy.

Let’s begin by running a quick refresher whilst presenting you with some novel concepts you may not have known!

Caption: This figure showcases various genetic and molecular techniques used in forensic and biological research, including DNA methylation for epigenetics, RNA analysis for microRNA, SNPs for phenotype and ancestry analysis, and STRs/SNPs for human and non-human identification. Each method varies in its application—from determining tissue type and drug use history to establishing ancestry and individual identity—with a gradient indicating predictiveness versus accuracy across these techniques.

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