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Genetics
Genetics 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Genetics
Genetics Online Course
With this Genetics online distance learning course the basic principles of genetics are provided allowing you to enter these expansive field
Although genetics is a vast subject this course, as a foundation, will give you basic knowledge of genetics and to help you understand what you learn.
Whether you loathe or love the advancements being made in genetic data, it is impossible to deny the fact that genetics is changing the world and as such is at the forefront of medicine. Genetics itself is a very adaptable science in the fields of Diseases and Treatments, Human History, Forensics, Law and Genetic Enhancements. Beside the numerous career opportunities in Genetics, simply taking the time to study it may help educate yourself about your health.
Increase your knowledge of genetics
A clear comprehension of genetics will become increasingly important as we move into the future, however if you do not understand the fundamentals then it can prove to be a difficult subject. This course will help you understand those fundamentals.
Understand cellular functions, traits, characteristics and heritability.
Genetics is a large field that covers all biological disciplines including; biochemistry, botany and zoology. This is how living organisms are formed and how we differ from other species. Some prior biological knowledge would be an advantage in this course.
Genetics is a huge subject and changes daily. Although it is impossible to learn everything within 1 course, it is extremely useful to know the basics in order to further your studies in this subject.
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:
 1. Introduction to Genetics
- Scope, nature and history
- Darwin and Mendel
- Mendel’s experiment
- Mendel’s law of segregation
- Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment
- Advances since Mendel
- Important genetics terminology
- Set task
- Assignment
 2. Cells, Organelles and Cell Division
- Prokaryotes
- Eukaryotes
- Organelles in the cell
- Cell structure and function
- Organelles in plants -Cell wall, Vacuole,Plastids
- Organelles in plants and animals – plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes etc.
- Genetic structures and materials
- Nucleus
- Nuclear envelope
- Nucleolus
- DNA
- Cell division –meiosis and mitosis
- DNA replication
- Four stages of Mitosis
- Cytokinesis
- Gameotogenesis
- Gametes
- Meiosis
- Meosis 1
- Meosis 2
- Gamete production in plants
- Set task
- Assignment
3. Interaction between Chromosomes
- Introduction
- Sex determination
- Sex chromosomes
- Sex linked inheritance
- Haemophilia example
- Colour blindness example
- Linkage and crossing over
- Linked genes
- Genetic mapping
- Set task
- Assignment
4. Interaction between Genes
- Introduction
- Traits and gene expression
- Polygenic inheritance
- Gene interactions
- Epistasis
- Enhancer genes
- Suppressor gene
- Incomplete dominance
- Codominance
- Lethal genes
- Cytoplasmic inheritance
- Gene expression
- Transcription
- Translation
- Set tasks
- Assignment
 5. Genetic Chemistry
- Nucleic acids
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Structure
- Double Stranded Helix
- Chromasomes
- Chromatin
- Chromatids
- Understanding the genetic code
- Role of proteins
- Transcription and translation
- Post translational modification
- Introns and exons
- Reading the code
- Set task
- Assignment
 6. Mutations
- Introduction
- Chromosome mutations
- Insertion
- Inversion
- Duplication
- Translocation
- Nondisjunction
- Gene mutations
- Point mutations (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
- Point substitution mutation
- Insertions
- Deletions
- Frameshift mutations
- Categories of gene mutations
- Silent mutations
- Missense mutations
- Nonsense mutations
- How do mutations occur
- Radiation
- Viruses or other microorganisms
- Chemicals
- Spontaneous mutations
- Effect of mutations
- Repair of mutations
- Set task
- Assignment
- Â DNA Repair and Recombination
- Introduction
- Excision pathways
- Methyl directed mismatch repair
- SOS repair
- Photoreactivation (Light dependent repair)
- Crossing over
- Recombination
- Set task
- Assignment
 7. Developmental Genetics
- Introduction
- Genetics are instructions for structures
- Cellular organisation and differentiation
- Model organisms used in developmental genetics
- Why study developmental genetics
- The human genome project
- Birth defects
- Genetic advances in birth defects
- Gene therapy
- Gene therapy and cancer
- Set task
- Assignment
 8. Population genetics
- What is population genetics
- Genetic variation within a population
- How do we measure genetic variation
- The hardy weinberg law
- Evolutionary agents and their effect on populatyion genetics
- Mutations
- Movement of individuals between populations
- Genetic drift
- Non random mating
- Natural selection
- Polymorphism
- Set tasks
- Assignment
 9. Applied Genetics
- Genetics in breeding animals
- Farm animal breeding
- Breeding pets
- Genetics for breeding plants
- Cloning plants
- Cloning -somatic cell nuclear transfer
- Modifying organisms genetically
- Transgenic animals
- Agricultural applications for transgenics
- Medical applications for transgenics
- Transgenics to modify DNA in plants
- Genetics in human health science
- Disease understanding
- Diagnosis of disease
- Genetic screening
- Gene therapy
- Pharmacogenomics
- Set task
- Assignment
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Learning Goals
Aims
-    To acknowledge the history of modern genetics and interpret important terminology in genetics work used, specifically relating to areas of study such  as plant and animal sciences,
conservation of plant and animal species, agriculture, horticulture, veterinary medicine and human health sciences. -  To develop understanding of the structures (organelles) of cells and comprehend their basic functions specifically relating to cell division.
- Â Â Â Â To discuss the main ways features are inherited.
- Â Â To develop knowledge of biological interactions and understand the significance of gene expression in heritability.
- Â Â Â Describe chemicals and reactions involved in genetics including protein synthesis.
- Â Explain the nature and management of genetic mutations.
- Â Develop understanding of how DNA repair mechanisms, and recombination to understand the significance of DNA cleaving and re-joining.
- Â Demonstrate an understanding of genetics to explain how variations occur in living organisms both within and beyond species.
- Â Explain both the significance and dynamics of genetic variation within populations of different living organisms.
- Â Â Â Describe how genetic knowledge is applied to a variety of human endeavors.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Modern Genetics
Everything from agriculture and horticulture, to veterinary and human health science, is being impacted increasingly by our rapidly developing understanding of genetics. While the future may not be predictable, there is little doubt that a knowledge of genetics will lay a very good foundation for many business and employment opportunities over the coming decades. Consider the following.
Farm Animal Breeding
Selective breeding in farm animals is centered around identifying the most desirable characteristics and breeding from those animals that display them. Traits essentially fit into five basic categories.
- Â Fitness traits: these are usually linked to reproduction such as litter size, conception rate, gestation length, survival rates of young
- Â Production traits: these include milk yield, growth rate, feed efficiency, number of eggs.
- Â Quality traits: these include carcass composition, level of fat, meat and milk quality.
- Â Type traits: these include physical appearance such as coat colour, udder shape, number of teats in pigs.
- Â Behavioural traits: these include herding ability in sheep dogs, temperament, mothering ability.
Pet breeding
Whereas the main objective of a farm animal breeding program is to improve performance, breeding programs for pedigree cats and dogs and other pet animals has centered on how they look i.e. the phenotype. This has led to the development of over 1700 different dog breeds throughout the world. Pedigree dog breeding is big business and can generate significant amounts of money for the breeder. In recent years it has come under heavy criticism as one of the consequences of breeding for specific traits that effect appearance is that other genes may also be selected that are detrimental to the dogs health and welfare. In particular some breeds e.g. pugs and King Charles Spaniels were being breed with such shortened noses that they were having breathing problems
Plant Breeding
Plant breeding has been practiced for thousands of years, since near the beginning of human civilization. It is essentially the manipulation of plant species in order to create desired genotypes and phenotypes for specific purposes. These days, this manipulation involves either controlled pollination, genetic engineering, or both, followed by artificial selection of progeny. Classical plant breeding uses the planned crossing of closely or distantly related individuals to produce new crop varieties or lines with desirable properties. These may include colour, shape, disease resistance or potential yield in crop producing plants. Plants are cross bred to introduce traits/genes from one variety or line into a new genetic background.
It is now practiced worldwide by government institutions and commercial enterprises as it is believed that breeding new crops is important for ensuring food security through the development of crops suitable for their environment such as drought conditions or warmer climates.
Human Health
Genetics research has lead to an understanding of what causes disease, the diagnosis of diseases and genetic screening to identify populations that are of risk from a specific genetic disorder.
Diagnosis of disease
Genetic testing is used to diagnose many disorders such as Turner’s syndrome, Klinefleter’s syndrome and many heart and blood disorders. The diagnosis of a genetic disorder may indicate that the relatives of the affected person should be screened for the genetic defect or whether they carry the gene.
Genetic Screening
This is the use of a test to identify people who have, are predisposed to or carriers of a certain genetic disease. It can be applied at many stages of life and used for a variety of purposes.
 Requirements for a successful career in Genetics
A career in Genetics is an exciting, energising one.
For a successful career in genetics, you need to build a foundation first, to understand the universal principles, possibilities and complications conducive of DNA-based life.
The genetic revolution is bringing about massive advancements, and will continue to evolve with developments in human genomics. If you are ready to make a commitment in time, energy, and motivation, the rewards are huge.
Career Opportunities
Genetics is a maturing industry and job opportunities in this field will be highly varied in the future so current students need to “think outside the box”. This course may deliver different things to different graduates. The following are just some of the areas where opportunities in Genetics may be found in the future:
- Â Plant Breeding
- Â Animal Breeding
- Â Genomics
- Â Genealogy
- Â Ancestry
- Â Gene therapy
-  Diagnostic genetic testing – paternity; genetic disorders
- Â Clinical trials
- Â Forensic science
- Â Genetic enhancement
- Â Biotech/Medical Sales and Marketing
- Â Research e.g. medical, public health, anthropological
- Â Dietetics/Nutrition
- Â Nursing
- Â Education
- Â Science Outreach
- Â Technician
- Â Patenting
- Â Quality control
- Â Compliance
- Â Scientific/Technical/Medical Writing and Illustrating
- Â Genetic counseling
- Â Bioinformatics
- Â Administration
- Â Physician Assistant
- Â Genetic programming
Extract
PROKARYOTES AND EUKARYOTESÂ
Cells are the units from which all living organisms are built. Some organisms have only one cell e.g. bacteria, while other organisms are multicellular containing hundreds, thousands, millions and even billions of cells e.g. the human body contains around 100,000 billion cells. Whilst the function of cells varies there are similarities between cells. Each cell is self-contained and partially self-sufficient. All cells have a cell membrane and contain cytoplasm and DNA.
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes or prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, or membranes surrounding their organelles. Their DNA is not organised into chromosomes, but is a single molecule, most often circular. Â Bacteria are prokaryote cells which do not have a nucleus or membranes surrounding their organelles. In prokaryotes DNA is not organised into chromosomes but is a single molecule. Prokaryotes reproduce asexually through binary fission, through binary fission a cell replicates its DNA into two complete sets and as the cell grows each set of DNA moves to opposite ends of the cell. Once the cell reaches a certain size it then splits in two creating two daughter cells with identical DNA.
Eukaryotes
Eukaryotes or eukaryotic cells have membranes surrounding the nucleus and organelles. This effectively divides the cell into distinct compartments that perform distinct functions. Their DNA is organised into linear chromosomes. Â Plants and animals have eukaryote cells which store DNA on chromosomes. The number of chromosomes in a cell varies in different plant and animal species but there are typically between 10 and 50 chromosomes in a eukaryote cell e.g. human beings have 46 chromosomes in each cell. Each chromosome is composed of a tightly coiled DNA molecule. Before a cell divides chromosomes make copies of themselves. Once cell division has taken place the new daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cells.
CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTIONÂ
Organelles in PlantsÂ
Cell WallÂ
Considered an extracellular coat of cells which protects the inside of the cell and in some tissues (particularly wood and bark), the cell wall provides particularly rigid and structural support – it is not alive. It is made up of cellulose including pectin which is a complex carbohydrate. Cellulose is the main constituent and can stretch and contract, but is strong.
A secondary wall may develop over time which contains lignin, lignification gives more strength.
Vacuole
Membrane bound regions in the cytoplasm, are generally large and can take up as much as 90% of the intracellular space to maintain cell turgor (pressure). The enlargement of vacuoles is the major cause of increase in cell size. They are important storage sites for various metabolites and are also the site of breakdown for some molecules.
Plastids
Variously shaped small organelle found in the cytoplasm, surrounded by a double layer membrane and system of internal membranes. Can be found in high numbers often, though sometimes only one or few. Contains pigments and/or food reserve – gives rise to chloroplasts, leucoplasts and proplastids.
Organelles in Plants and AnimalsÂ
Plasma membrane
This is the outer layer of the cell which gives the cell its shape and holds the liquid inside the cell. It is semi-permeable which means it allows certain things to pass in and out of the cell. The main structure of all cell membranes is a bilayer of phospholipids. Animal cell membranes also contain glycolipids and cholesterol.
Cytoplasm
This is the water based fluid inside the cell which contains salts and other ions and molecules suspended in solution. Â Within the cytoplasm you will find filaments, proteins, organelles and vesicles.
Endoplasmic reticulum
Membrane organelle which serves a variety of functions, the most important is protein synthesis and folding. Â Some proteins move on to the Golgi for more modification and final packaging.
RibosomesÂ
Ribosomes are tiny, roughly spherical structures attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. They are involved in the synthesis of proteins.
Golgi apparatusÂ
This is essentially a large folding membrane. Â It serves as a processing factory within the cell, primarily working on proteins and lipids Here proteins and lipids produced in the endoplasmic reticulum are packaged for export outside the cell or for other areas within the cell.
It is responsible for synthesising carbohydrates, transporting both proteins derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane, and lysosomes from where they are expelled from the cell.
It also packages macromolecules for transport to other regions of the cell, or for secretion.
LysosomesÂ
These organelles contain powerful enzymes known as hydrolases that break down food molecules, old or unwanted organelles and even invading pathogens.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria (plural of mitochondrion = mitochondria) are concerned with the respiration of the cell. Respiration produces energy for the cell. These are the cell’s powerhouses.
Cytoskeleton
A network of protein filaments in the cytoplasm that provide a structural framework for the cell, and it is responsible for cell movements.
Centriole
This is concerned with cell division, the reproduction of the cell and the movement of cell chromosomes.
Peroxisomes
These organelles contain peroxides that digest lipids and some other foods.
Fibrils
These are concerned with nervous responses.
GENETIC STRUCTURES AND MATERIALÂ
NucleusÂ
The nucleus is the organelle that contains the cells genetic material. It is bounded by a pair of membranes, called the nuclear envelope, that isolate the nuclear contents from the rest of the cell. The membrane controls the entry and exit of molecules from the nucleus. Nuclei exist in animal and plant cells.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,