ECTS credits ECTS credits: 4.5
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 26 Interactive Classroom: 14 Total: 41
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology
Areas: Physical Anthropology, Genetics
Center Faculty of Biology
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable
- Develop criteria for the identification of the genetic-molecular variability of the human species, as well as specific analytical strategies, appropriate for each particular case.
- Provide criteria for analyzing the problem of molecular variability oriented to its interpretation in the general biological framework (adaptability, evolutionary reconstruction, molecular phylogenies).
- Know the specific applications, both in the field of individual and population biological identification, as well as in the clinical and environmental fields.
The theoretical contents will be complemented by interactive classes, seminars that can be dedicated to problem solving and analysis of specific cases and a tutorial activity dedicated to organizational aspects and discussion of the bibliography.
THEORETICAL CONTENTS (26h)
1. Structure and function of the human genome (2h)
2. Impact of deleterious mutation (2h)
3. Human consanguinity and consanguineous depression (3h)
4. Population genetic structure (3h)
5. Multiloci genetics and population genomics (3h)
6. Pharmacogenetics (3h)
7. Criminal analysis and individual genetic identification. (2h)
8. Biological kinship relationships and paternity analysis. (2h)
9. Clinical Applications. Identification of risk groups in the development of pathologies. (3h)
10. Reconstruction of the biodynamics of the evolutionary history of human populations. (3h)
PRACTICES (7 hours)
1) Individual molecular profiling (Part I): DNA extraction techniques. Amplification (PCR). (2 h).
2) Individual molecular profile (Part II): Electrophoretic separation (PAGE). Molecular detection (Silver Staining). Identification of molecular phenotypes. (3 h).
3) Inference of evolutionary relationships: Phylogenetic trees. Multivariate analysis. Anthropological interpretation. (2 h in computer room).
SEMINARS (7 hours)
The seminars will be dedicated to the resolution of problems related to the theory of population genetics and the development of particular cases, whose detailed analysis will serve to illustrate general contents seen in the theory classes. Seminars and theory will be taught in close relationship, so that problem solving involves theoretical knowledge and vice versa.
TUTORIES (1 hour)
Review and clarification of doubts, or other teaching aspects raised by students.
BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY
Templeton, A. R. 2019. Human population genetics and genomics. Academic Press.
Vilas, R., Álvarez, G. 2023. Genética Evolutiva. Síntesis.
Cavalli-Sforza, L.L., Bodmer, W.F., 1981. Genetics of human populations. W. H. Freeman.
Cela Conde, C. J., Ayala, F. J. 2014. Evolución humana. Alianza.
D. H. O'Rourke. 2019. A Companion to Anthropological Genetics. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lohmueller, K., Nielsen, R. 2021. Human population genomics. Springer.
Relethford, J. H. 2012. Human population genetics. Wiley-Blackwell.
Speicher, M.R., Antonarakis, S.E., Motulsky, A. G. Eds., 2010. Vogel and Motulsky's Human genetics. Springer.
Jobling, M.A., Hollox, E., Kivisild, T., Tyler-Smith C., 2013. Human Evolutionary Genetics. Garland Science.
- Knowledge/contents: Con03, Con10.
- Skills/skills: H/D01, H/D02, H/D03, H/D04, H/D07, H/D08, H/D09, H/D10, H/D11.
- Competencies: Comp01, Comp02, Comp03, Comp04, Comp05, Comp06, Comp07.
Knowledge/content:
• Con03: Know the origin of life, the mechanisms of inheritance and its evolution
• Con10: Know and understand the structure and dynamics of populations and communities
Abilities/skills:
• H/D01: Apply in an integrated manner the theoretical-practical knowledge acquired in the transmission of information/ideas and in the formulation and resolution of problems, both in academic and professional contexts.
• H/D02: Know how to obtain and interpret relevant information and experimental results and obtain conclusions on topics related to Biology
• H/D03: Study and learn autonomously, with organization of time and resources, new knowledge and techniques in Biology
• H/D04: Propose, apply and interpret mathematical models and statistical methods in the field of Biology
• H/D07: Ability to search, process, analyze and synthesize information from various sources, including the use of ICTs in the field of Biology
• H/D08: Capacity for reasoning, argumentation and critical thinking
• H/D09: Ability to organize and plan work
• H/D10: Ability to work in a group and address problematic situations collectively
• H/D11: Ability to prepare and present an organized and understandable text, adequately reflecting the sources of information used
Competencies:
• Comp01: That students have demonstrated that they possess, understand and use knowledge of the different areas of Biology, including some cutting-edge aspects of their field of study.
• Comp02: That students have developed those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy
• Comp03: That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the abilities that are usually demonstrated through the elaboration and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study.
• Comp04: Know and know how to apply instrumental techniques, and design work protocols in the laboratory and in the field, applying the appropriate regulations and techniques related to safety, hygiene, waste management, quality and sustainable development
• Comp05: That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) to make judgments that include reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature.
• Comp06: Be able to transmit information both in writing and orally and to debate ideas, problems and solutions related to Biology, before a general or specialized audience.
• Comp07: Be able to integrate into interdisciplinary teams and apply theoretical-practical knowledge to solve complex problems, participate in scientific-technical or clinical projects in the bio-health field and guarantee health and well-being.
Lecture classes with face-to-face and compulsory character: 3 hours per week.
Interactive classes (face-to-face and compulsory): Two laboratory practices (2h+4h), and one practice with computers (1h in computer room).
Seminars with face-to-face and mandatory character: These are blackboard seminars in which particular cases will be developed and problems related to theoretical models will be solved. In addition, doubts may be raised collectively: 7 hours
Face-to-face tutorials and non-compulsory attendance. 1 hour
Both the theoretical contents of the subject and the ability to solve problems and applied issues related to it will be evaluated. The basic evaluation criteria will consist of the demonstration of a critical understanding of the fundamental concepts, their expository clarity and application.
Theory and seminars
The evaluation of theoretical concepts and their application in solving problems raised in the seminars will be carried out through written examination (final test). The final exam (mandatory and evaluable) represents 80% of the final grade. 60% corresponds to the first part (Themes 1-5), dedicated to general aspects and associated with five of the seven seminars; the remaining 40% of the final exam grade will correspond to the second part of the theoretical contents (Themes 6-10). To pass the subject it will be necessary to obtain a grade in this final exam equal to or greater than 5 points out of 10. However, in order to pass the exam it will also be essential to obtain a minimum of 3.5 points out of 10 in each of the two parts.
Practices. Two evaluation modalities that will count as 20% of the final grade (to pass the subject it will be necessary to obtain at least a score of 5 out of 10 in this section):
a) Continuous evaluation: Active participation, by attendance (compulsory not evaluable), followed by the preparation and delivery of a Final Report (mandatory and evaluable). Attendance control: Appointment of each of the students who appear on the list of the group that makes up the practice.
Or
b) Examination of the practices developed during the course for those students with circumstances that prevent or make it very difficult for them to benefit from the previous evaluation modality (a).
It will be necessary to reach a minimum grade of 5 points out of 10 in the final test, so that this 20% corresponding to the practices is added to it, which implies the impossibility of passing the subject with a grade in the final exam less than 5 points out of 10.
To pass the subject, the student will be required to reach at least 50% of the maximum score in each of the 2 evaluable sections (practices and final exam).
Tutories. The activities developed in tutories will not be graded.
In the final exam the following competences learning outcomes will be evaluated:
Con03, Con10, Comp01, Comp02, Comp03, Comp05, Comp06, H/D01, H/D02, H/D03, H/D04, H/D07, H/D08, H/D09, H/D11.
In the realization of the practices and the report of practices the following learning outcomes will be evaluated:
Con10, H/D01, H/D02, H/D04, H/D08, H/D09, H/D10, H/D11, Comp01, Comp02, Comp03, Comp04, Comp05, Comp06, Comp07.
The evaluation methodology is the same in the first and second chance.
As for the repeating students, their theoretical and practical knowledge (problem solving and cases) will be evaluated through the final exam, a qualification that represents 80% of the final grade because they retain the equivalent grade of laboratory practices (20%) in the event that they had carried out in the previous course the practices of the subject of Human Evolution (plan in extinction). However, it is necessary to obtain at least 5 points out of 10 in the exam to add that 20% corresponding to the practice note. This means that you cannot pass the subject with a grade in the final exam lower than 5 points out of 10.
Regarding the final test, it will be face-to-face and will aim to evaluate theoretical content, as well as practical demonstrated in problem solving.
In relation to plagiarism: "for cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the regulations for evaluating the academic performance of students and reviewing grades will apply."
Classroom hours: 44 hours
- Theoretical: 26 hours
- Blackboard practices/seminars: 7 classroom hours
- Lab/computer practices: 7 hours
- Tutories: 1 hour of work
- Exams: 3 hours
Non-presential hours: 68.5 total hours (55.5 h of study and 13 h preparation of report of practices)
Total working hours: 112.5 hours
Class attendance and continued work outside of class
Use of specialized bibliography
Use of personalized tutories
In general, students will have at their disposal a virtual classroom where they can access materials such as the detailed program of the subject, problem bulletin, images and other specific content that serve as a complement to the theoretical classes. Throughout the course, direct communication channels will be established with students (forums and Moodle messaging, virtual tutorials through MS-Teams, USC email ...), but in no case will doubts be resolved on the subject by email. The resolution of doubts must be done in a personalized way in the teacher's office or collectively in the classroom.
For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the regulations for evaluating the academic performance of students and reviewing grades will apply.
It is also strictly forbidden the distribution by different means (for example, on web pages, distribution to people outside the course, etc.) without the consent of the teaching staff, of any teaching material available in the virtual classroom.
Ana Maria Viñas Diaz
- Department
- Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology
- Area
- Genetics
- Phone
- 881816918
- anamaria.vinas [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Javier Rodriguez Luis
Coordinador/a- Department
- Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology
- Area
- Physical Anthropology
- Phone
- 881813262
- javier.rodriguez.luis [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Diego Robledo Sanchez
- Department
- Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology
- Area
- Genetics
- diego.robledo.sanchez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Investigador/a Distinguido/a
| Wednesday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 06. Diane Fosey and Jane Goodall |
| Thursday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 06. Diane Fosey and Jane Goodall |
| Friday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Spanish | Classroom 06. Diane Fosey and Jane Goodall |
| 05.23.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 08. Louis Pasteur |
| 07.08.2025 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |