Essay: A modern application of genetics fingerprint (1500 words)

Learning Outcomes:

1.  Describe a modern technique based on molecular or cell genetics, its applications and benefits and / or limitations to society

2.  Evaluate the ethical and environmental issues raised by the technique

3.  Use scientific research and presentation skills appropriate to biology.

Must demonstrate that you have:

1.1  Described the nature of a chosen technique and its biochemical or biological basis for example genetic fingerprinting, stem cell, gene therapy, recombinant DNA technology.

1.2  Given an account of how the technique is applied, e.g., in medicine, agriculture, forensic science.

1.3  Described the benefits and/or possible future benefits of the technique

1.4  Described any disadvantages and/or possible future disadvantages associated with this technique.

2.1 Discussed the ethical and environmental issues associated with the technique and its applications

3.1 Used appropriate and relevant diagrams / tables of scientific data.

3.2 Written in a suitable scientific style that included appropriate scientific terms and an extensive reference list cited appropriately within the text.

About the format of the essay:

This assignment is a means for you to demonstrate your independent research skills. A scientific essay represents an important means by which information can be communicated to other scientists as well as members of the general public.  Any essay should communicate information in an interesting and useful manner.  The use of figures and diagrams can be used to summarise information.  However, a legend, which allows the figure or diagram to be understood on its own must always be included.  

In this essay you should have an introduction that sets the scene.  Each section or paragraph covering each point should be clearly referenced.  Finally, there should be a conclusion that summarises the main points covered.  

The essay should demonstrate the ability to use the mechanics and conventions of written English including proper use of paragraphs.  As this is not a report, there should be no bullet points or subheadings.

You should now be able to summarise evidence from a range of sources.  Appropriate references should be used to provide the background knowledge on which the essay is based.  A reference list should be produced according to a recognised system.  This must include material from at least five separate sources.  These sources should be of at least three types and should include at least one website.  You should show where any references listed at the end of the essay have been used within the text.

Useful References:

Alberts, B.; Bray, D.; Hopkin, K.; Johnson, A.D.; Lewis, J.; Raff, M. & Walter, P. (2013) Essential Cell Biology, Garland Science

Baker, M.; Indge, B. & Rowland, M. (2007) A2: Further Studies in Biology, Hodder & Stoughton 

Boyle, M. & Senior K (2002) Human Biology, Collins Advanced Science

Buxton, J. & Turney J. (2007) The Rough Guide to Genes and Cloning

Indge, B.; Rowland, M. & Baker M (2005) AS:  A New introduction to Biology, Hodder Murray

Jackson, A. R. W & Jackson, J. M. (2008) Forensic Science (2nd Edit), Prentice Hall.

Watson, J.D.; Myers, R.M.; Caudy, A.A. & Witkowski, J.A. (2007) Recombinant DNA genes and genomes a short course (3rd Edit), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

Williams, G. (2015) Advanced Biology for you (2nd Edition), Nelson Thornes