Module: Cell Biol.,Recombinant DNA Cloning & Bioinf.

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Cell Biol.,Recombinant DNA Cloning & Bioinf.
Module Code	BE357
School	School of Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Ronan O'Toole Semester 2: Ronan O'Toole Autumn: Ronan O'Toole
Module Teachers	Paul Cahill Anne Parle-McDermott Jiafu Wang Denise Harold Emma Finlay Linda Holland Ronan O'Toole
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Laboratory	48	Series of practicals related to cell biology methods and recombinant DNA cloning.
Assignment Completion	15	Bioinformatics assignment
Directed learning	10	Report writing
Independent Study	52	Reading 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	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Ability to perform experimental protocols in a standard laboratory environment.	20%	n/a
Report(s)	Lab report to be submitted where individual group and class data is presented and discussed.	65%	n/a
Assignment	An assignment to access appropriate databases and software tools to design a recombinant DNA cloning experiment.	15%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

40470, 0, Lab manuals and associated articles and resources available on Loop.,

Programme or List of Programmes

GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology

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