Module: Current Topics in Genetics & Cell Biology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Current Topics in Genetics & Cell Biology
Module Code	BE417 (ITS) / GCB1013 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Cahill
Module Teachers	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Paula Meleady, Ronan O'Toole
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

The module aims to promote an appreciation of the contemporary applications of molecular genetic and cell biology methodologies in biomedical research, the biopharmaceutical industry, molecular microbiology, plant biotechnology and forensic-related biological sciences.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline the principle and applications of methods of gene profiling/DNA fingerprinting and tissue identification for forensic purposes
2. Explain the design and applications of DNA microarrays for use in transcriptomic studies
3. Critically appraise real-time PCR technologies and their applications in molecular diagnostics
4. Explain the design and applications of recombinant viral vectors
5. Describe the gene expression and genetic manipulation technologies that enable the high-level and sustained expression of Biopharma products and other recombinant proteins
6. Evaluate and critique research data from investigative experiments in genetics and cell biology
7. Describe the biology of bacterial-plant interactions
8. Explain the techniques used to produce genetically altered plants
9. Discuss the development and release of genetically modified organisms

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	32	Lecture attendance
Independent Study	105	Studying material from lectures
Directed learning	50	Proscribed course reading material
Total Workload: 187

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

Gene profiling/DNA fingerprinting and tissue identification for forensic purposes

DNA microarrays and transcriptomic studies

Microbial molecular diagnostics involving real-time PCR

The design and applications of recombinant viral vectors

Genetic methods for engineering the high-level and sustained expression of Biopharma products and other recombinant proteins

Analysis of research data from investigative experiments in genetics and cell biology

Agrobacterium and its interaction with plants
Ti plasmid-based vectors and plant transformation; Plant transformation and micro projectiles; Inheritance and expression of chimeric genes

Insect/viral/herbicide resistant plants

Transgenic plants for the production of recombinant products

GM plants for fuel and food production

GMO release into the environment

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Written Exam	holistic assessment of module	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

61391, 0, Reference reading material will be made available during the course,