Module: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Fundamentals of Molecular Biology 2
Module Code	GCB1006
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	4	No Description
Lecture	36	No Description
Assignment Completion	42.5	Background reading and understanding of method assigned to develop and write a Research Strategy
Independent Study	42.5	Background reading, understanding and writing of essay topic.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10168	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Janosch Heller	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Design 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%	Week 1
Essay	Write an Essay on an assigned topic that will be based solely on the content of the lectures.	50%	Week 1

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

This module has been assigned the code BE533