Module: Recombinant DNA Technology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Recombinant DNA Technology
Module Code	GCB1005 (ITS: BE527)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

Module aims: This module will give the student an understanding of how recombinant DNA technologies are used to manipulate both cloned genes and host producer cells so that biopharmaceuticals and diagnostic reagents can be safely and stably produced using appropriate cell-based systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Select from complex issues in protein engineering and demonstrate a systematic understanding of how these may be addressed whereby recombinant genes are manipulated leading to the generation of recombinant proteins with modified properties.
2. Demonstrate a range of standard and specialised recombinant DNA expression systems and tools that are designed to ensure high-level production of soluble, stable, purifiable and authentic recombinant proteins.
3. Exhibit a critical awareness of genome engineering and gene knockdown technologies and give insights into their applications in producer cell engineering and gene therapy.
4. Exercise initiative and a capacity for independent research by using contemporary techniques of enquiry to critically appraise relevant examples of products and methods from the forefront of the Biopharma and Diagnostic fields.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	8	4 asynchronous sessions (approx 2 h each). View recorded material and complete the relevant formative quiz.
Tutorial	8	Tutorials/workshop: 4 sessions (2 h each).
Assignment Completion	45	Complete assignment as directed
Independent Study	64	Reading sources relevant to the assignment topic
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10166	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jiafu Wang	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Janosch Heller, Michael Freeley, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Completion of an individual assignment relating to the application of rDNA technology to diagnostics and/or therapeutics.	50%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Two loop quizzes are based on the teaching content from Weeks 1 to 3. The first quiz covers content from Weeks 1 and 2 and carries a weight of 35%, while the second quiz covers Week 3 content and carries a weight of 15%, contributing a combined total of 50% to the overall assessment.	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

Indicative Content
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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None