The organisation of the genomes of higher organisms derived mainly from the application of recombinant DNA technology and related techniques. Methods used for the isolation, identification and characterisation of eukaryotic genomes in terms of the organisation of single copy and repeated sequences and of coding and non-coding sequences and of several gene clusters, e.g. the alpha and beta globin gene cluster. Mechanisms known to operate in the control of eukaryotic gene expression, both at the DNA level and at the level of RNA processing. Review of several specialised genetic systems in plants and animals such as mitochondria, chloroplasts and RNA and DNA tumour viruses.

Practical work provides training in the use of sterile techniques and in working with polynucleotides under nuclease-free conditions, using basic techniques such as hybridisation and DNA sequencing.