To deepen the concepts of genetics studied in Bac1 and to familiarise students with the scientific thinking underlying past and recent advances in molecular biology.
The learning activities implemented in this unit will aim to develop a variety of skills such as mastery of basic concepts in genetics, the ability to understand a scientific question by drawing on previously acquired concepts and bibliographical research, critical analysis of different sources of information, the ability to summarise and orally present bibliographical research work, mastery of certain molecular biology techniques and the ability to work as part of a team.
Demonstrate to veterinary students the importance of genetics in the veterinary world, both in terms of observable characteristics and in the development of animal pathologies and molecular diagnostics.
Practical work
Exercises
Through the exercises, the student should be able to understand basic genetic concepts such as :
Hereditary transmission
alleles
The auto/ererosomal character of a gene
The dominant/recessive nature of a gene
Polymorphism
In addition, on the basis of statements and family trees, the student should be able to:
Determine the mode of transmission of a genetic characteristic
Estimate the probability of a couple giving birth to a "child" with a given characteristic.
Practical part
During the practical part, the aim is to master and understand the different stages of several techniques commonly used in genetics and molecular biology laboratories, such as :
Genomic DNA extraction on columns and FTA cards
PCR
Pyrosequencing/Genotyping with TaqMan probes
Agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis
Ames test
Paternity testing using microsatellites
Yeast two-hybrid test
β-galactosidase test in C. crescentus
The results of these different techniques will be used to :
Determine the genotype of a horse's coat colour
Determine which ram is the sire of a lamb
Determine the presence of a genetic disease, ichthyosis, in Golden Retrievers
Determine the mutagenic nature of a compound in bacteria
Determine the interaction between two proteins
Determine the activity of a promoter
At the end of the practical work, the student should be able to understand and master the various stages of the different protocols used. They should also be able to interpret the results of the various experiments and draw conclusions from them. Finally, the student must be able to critically evaluate the results and stand back from them.
This course comprises the following 3 learning activities: (i) ex cathedra lectures organised into two theoretical modules in which the main concepts relating to the regulation of gene expression (module 1) and the origin and impact of mutations (module 2) in prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be taught, (ii) PBL (Problem-based learning) team work, during which students will have to use the concepts covered in the theory course and carry out a bibliographical search with the aim of tackling an imposed question related to biology, and (iii) practical work aimed at applying the theoretical concepts.
1) ex cathedra course: powerpoint presentations containing animations and videos illustrating the main concepts covered in the course. The blackboard will also be used to go into more detail on certain explanations.
2) PBL sessions: activity in teams of 5-7 students comprising 3 sessions supervised by an academic supervisor and individual and/or team work on a scientific question related to biology.
3) practical work aimed at applying the theoretical concepts seen during the ex cathedra courses: 4 sessions of +/- 3 hours supervised by an assistant and a technician.
Assessment of the theoretical content will consist of 2 dispensatory, multiple-choice and compulsory examinations, which will be organised at the end of module 1 and module 2. Students must obtain an average of at least 10/20 for the 2 tests in order to be exempted from the theoretical oral examination in the January session. Partial exemptions are not possible. The average mark obtained following the 2 examinations or the mark from the oral examination will represent 40% of the final mark for the UE.
The PBL assessment will consist of (i) an oral presentation, in groups and in relays, of a summary of the work carried out as part of the PBL. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the teacher and the assistant who helped supervise the PBL. The PBL mark will account for 30% of the final mark for the UE.
The assessment of the practical work will consist of a written examination including open questions and MCQs designed to assess the theoretical and technical understanding of the experiments carried out during the practical work. The practical work grade will account for 30% of the final grade for the course.
Successful completion of the 3 learning activities is a prerequisite for passing the UE. However, one or 2 learning activities may be waived between 2 sessions of the same academic year. The TPs mark may be carried over from one academic year to the next.
Génétique 8e édition (Klug, Cummings et Spencer) Biologie moléculaire du gène (Watson et al.)
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 0 | 5 | |
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 2 | 5 |