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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Fundamentals of Molecular Biology 2
Module Code BE533 (ITS) / GCB1006 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinatorJanosch Heller
Module TeachersAnne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, 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

The purpose of this module is to develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge of the biology of recombinant DNA cloning and control of gene expression, or informed by, the forefront of this field. This will include the development of systematic knowledge underpinning specialised research tools and techniques used in the manipulation of DNA including relevant qualitative and quantitative theoretical background that would prepare students to acquire and demonstrate the skills involved in DNA (and RNA) manipulation. To develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge of the complexity of gene expression and its control, with an emphasis on eukaryotic systems at, or informed by, the forefront of this field.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop and articulate an understanding of knowledge at the forefront of research both qualitatively, and, where appropriate, quantitatively, around the underpinning science of the design of DNA cloning strategies exploiting the knowledge of restriction enzymes, vector systems and PCR technology
2. Demonstrate specialised research tools and techniques by analysing genome sequences to gain an understanding of the genetic organisation of the encoded information.
3. Demonstrate specialised research tools and techniques by designing an experimental approach to monitor the expression of genes using RNA analysis
4. Demonstrate specialised research tools and techniques by selecting the appropriate vector system for application in genetic analysis
5. Demonstrate specialised research tools and techniques and also a critical awareness of current problems/new insights, informed by the forefront of learning in the field, by applying the knowledge gained in the design of specific experiments towards their research project aims and objectives.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial4No Description
Lecture36No Description
Assignment Completion42.5Background reading and understanding of method assigned to develop and write a Research Strategy
Independent Study42.5Background reading, understanding and writing of essay topic.
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

Recombinant DNA technology: Conventional and contemporary methods of cloning such as Gateway cloning. Introduction to cloning vectors, restriction enzymes, plasmids, ligations. Replication of plasmids.

DNA amplification. Polymerase Chain Reaction and its various applications in the amplification of DNA, cDNA. RNA, reverse transcription and quantitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, mobility shift assays. Sanger sequencing and its applications.

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression. Prokaryotic: operons and coordinated gene control. Eukaryotic: promoters and various levels of control. Splicing. miRNAs. Chromatin.

Human Genome Content. Overview of the human genome and the types of genes and functional elements

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentDesign a Research Strategy to perform a specific molecular biology method (as assigned) in the laboratory. The assignment must include an overview of the strategy plus Materials & Methods and a section on potential Troubleshooting required.50%
EssayWrite an Essay on an assigned topic that will be based solely on the content of the lectures.50%
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

  • Jeremy W. Dale, Simon Park: 0, Molecular genetics of bacteria, 0470850841
  • Richard J. Reece: 0, Analysis of genes and genomes, 0470843799
  • T. A. Brown: 0, Genetics, 0412447304
  • Lewin: 0, Genes X or XI,
Other Resources

None
This module has been assigned the code BE533

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