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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ronan O'Toole
Semester 2: Ronan O'Toole
Autumn: Ronan O'Toole
Module TeachersPaul Cahill
Anne Parle-McDermott
Jiafu Wang
Denise Harold
Emma Finlay
Linda Holland
Ronan O'Toole
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat the module
Description

This module will provide a detailed understanding of the methods used in: (i) mammalian cell biology including basic cell culture techniques, cell counting, seeding growth and cell viability studies in addition to training in techniques for assessment of cell differentiation (phenotype) in situ (immunocytochemistry), cell signalling and protein expression (Western blotting) and cell secretion of proteins (ELISA-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). (ii) The basic practical techniques of Polymerase Chain Reaction, recombinant DNA technology and to develop their understanding of strategies used in the construction, confirmation and expression of recombinant molecules in bacterial cells. Bioinformatics will include sequence retrieval and analysis of protein coding sequences. Attendance at practical sessions is mandatory and students are expected to engage in tutorial sessions and complete assignments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform routine cell culture using adherent mammalian cells to learn basic cell counting, cell adherence growth and viability assays.
2. Measure the phenotype and differentiation state of a cell using fluorescent immunocytochemistry in situ.
3. Measure the concentration of an intracellular protein in a cell lysate.
4. Perform SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis to prove for the presence of specific intracellular proteins.
5. Perform an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of secreted proteins from cells.
6. Perform basic recombinant DNA cloning techniques.
7. Use specific genomic databases and bioinformatics software packages.
8. Design an experiment to generate a recombinant DNA clone of a gene of interest using PCR.
9. Interpret restriction maps of recombinant DNA molecules.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Laboratory24Series of practicals related to cell biology methods and recombinant DNA cloning
Online activity12Bioinformatics assignment
Assignment Completion24Data analysis and report writing
Independent Study65Reading of specified materials and independent learning time
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Mammalian cell culture and assessment of growth and viability.

The techniques of fluorescent in situ immunocytochemistry, protein concentration determination, Western blotting & ELISA

Recombinant DNA cloning in E.coli
Recombinant DNA cloning in E.coli and includes the following techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, Gateway cloning technology, bacterial transformation and selection, restriction enzyme mapping.

Access and analyse a specific protein coding DNA sequence of interest.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Practical/skills evaluationAbility to engage and perform experimental protocols proficiently in a standard laboratory environment.20%n/a
Report(s)Laboratory reports where individual group and class data are presented and discussed for assessment.60%n/a
In Class TestIn-class test of cell biology knowledge as it relates to practical experimentation.10%n/a
AssignmentAssignment to assess proficiency in utilising bioinformatic tools for designing a recombinant DNA cloning experiment.10%n/a
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    65515, 0, Laboratory protocols and associated resources are to be available on Loop.,

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