Module: Recombinant DNA Technology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Recombinant DNA Technology
Module Code	BE517 (ITS) / GCB1004 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Brian Freeland, David Collins, Denise Harold, Janosch Heller, Paul Cahill
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

To provide the student with the relevant background information necessary to understand recombinant DNA technology and in particular how recombinant proteins can be manipulated and produced safely, stably and authentically using an appropriate cell-based system.

Learning Outcomes

1. describe the key features of DNA, RNA and proteins and explain the inter-relationships between these molecules
2. outline the basis of current molecular biologic and genomic technologies and be able to contrast the structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes and genomes
3. discuss the complex nature of protein molecules including antibodies and the inherent issues that need to be considered when attempting to produce them in recombinant form
4. describe the events involved in generating recombinant DNA molecules, to include cDNA generation, expression vectors and the choice of host cell
5. discuss protein engineering, including protein tagging and mutagenesis-based strategies for generating recombinant proteins with modified properties (with case study examples including antibody engineering)
6. describe nucleic acid therapeutics and applications, to include an understanding of the basis of RNA interference/gene knockdown technology
7. review bioanalytical methods used to test biologics for nucleic acid content

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	8	View recorded lectures (2 h per week) and attempt the associated formative Loop quizzes
Independent Study	59	Reference to reading material
Assignment Completion	50	Assignment
Tutorial	8	Interactive tutorials (online)
Online activity	8	View recorded lectures (2 h per week) and attempt the associated formative Loop quizzes
Assignment Completion	50	Complete written assignment on a prescribed topic
Independent Study	59	Reference to reading material
Tutorial	8	Interactive online tutorials (2h per week)
Total Workload: 250

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

Overview of the structure and roles of DNA, RNA and protein molecules

Genomes, genome sequencing and molecular biology methods including PCR

Cloning and manipulating DNA sequences

Vectors and hosts for expressing recombinant proteins

Transfection and selection of recombinant cells

Protein engineering strategies -case studies

Antibody engineering strategies -case studies

RNA interference/gene knockdown

Bioanalysis of biologics for nucleic acid content

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Exam	Provide written answers to questions during a scheduled and time-limited period using the Loop platform.	50%	n/a
Assignment	Prepare a written assignment on a prescribed topic.	50%	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 -

Indicative Reading List

School of Biotechnology, DCU: 0, An up-to-date list of reading material will be provided during the course,

Other Resources

None