Module: Recombinant DNA Technology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Recombinant DNA Technology
Module Code	GCB1004 (ITS: BE517)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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. 1D647037-63A5-0001-5FFD-85BB7260A840
2. describe the key features of DNA, RNA and proteins and explain the inter-relationships between these molecules
3.
4.
5. 1
6. 1D647037-8D7B-0001-5515-1F2D431CE240
7. outline the basis of current molecular biologic and genomic technologies and be able to contrast the structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes and genomes
8.
9.
10. 2
11. 1D647039-B8BF-0001-5E68-1CDE8F718E70
12. 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
13.
14.
15. 3
16. 1D647039-93C7-0001-153F-1600ED9F9A60
17. describe the events involved in generating recombinant DNA molecules, to include cDNA generation, expression vectors and the choice of host cell
18.
19.
20. 4
21. 1D647039-E1AC-0001-46D4-478014921EC2
22. discuss protein engineering, including protein tagging and mutagenesis-based strategies for generating recombinant proteins with modified properties (with case study examples including antibody engineering)
23.
24.
25. 5
26. 1D64703A-951F-0001-B69E-1DC212E5BA50
27. describe nucleic acid therapeutics and applications, to include an understanding of the basis of RNA interference/gene knockdown technology and mRNA vaccine technology
28.
29.
30. 6
31. 1DBC88D3-A9BB-0001-5E68-CB8A185011A3
32. review bioanalytical methods used to test biologics for nucleic acid content
33.
34.
35. 7

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	16	Asynchronous (50%) and synchronous (50%) online delivery
Independent Study	51	Reference to reading material
Assignment Completion	50	Assignment
Tutorial	8	Interactive tutorials (online)
Lecture	16	No Description
Independent Study	59	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	No Description
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11436	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Brian Freeland, David Collins, Denise Harold, Janosch Heller, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	This will consist of an online closed-book exam; sample questions will be provided to students in advance of the exam	50%	n/a
Assignment	Written assignment on a topic of relevance to the subject area	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 and mRNA vaccine design

Bioanalysis of biologics for nucleic acid content

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None