Module: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
Module Code	GCB1009 (ITS: BE301)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To develop a good understanding of the biology of bacteriophages and plasmids. To teach the basis of techniques used in the manipulation of DNA/RNA and to provide a theoretical background that would enable students to learn the skills involved in nucleic acid manipulation. To develop an appreciation and understanding of the complexity of gene expression and its control, with an emphasis on eukaryotic systems. To give an overview of the content of Eukaryotic genomes and their functionality.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1D763B2B-303F-0001-741F-17D0100086E0
2. Design and understand recombinant DNA cloning strategies and other relevant molecular biological methodologies useful in the investigation of nucleic acids.
3.
4.
5. 1
6. 1E49962E-5763-0001-F03F-1DE0CB50B150
7. Select the appropriate vector system for application in genetic analysis
8.
9.
10. 2
11. 1D763B2B-42D3-0001-BD36-15DC1C711F33
12. Analyse genome sequences to gain an understanding of gene organisation and function of the encoded information- a focus on the gene itself as a functional unit
13.
14.
15. 3
16. 1D763B2B-5CBA-0001-D975-C83B14F01D02
17. Design an experimental approach to monitor the expression of genes using RNA analysis
18.
19.
20. 4
21. 1D763B2B-6BA2-0001-E72F-80E01EA315A9
22. Gain knowledge and understanding of the complexity of Eukaryotic Gene Expression control.
23.
24.
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	12	No Description
Lecture	12	No Description
Independent Study	97	Reading recommended text books and working through recorded lectures.
Assignment Completion	4	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10737	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Janosch Heller	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Naomi Walsh, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	3 Loop quizzes (each worth 3.33%) in weeks 3, 4, 5 covering first half of BE301	10%	Other
Loop Quiz	3 Loop quizzes (each worth 3.33%) in weeks 9, 10, 11 covering second half of BE301	10%	Other
Formal Examination	Final exam covering BE301. Students will have to answer 4 questions out of a pool of 6, and 2 questions out of a pool of 3. Exam will be 2 hours.	80%	End-of-Semester

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

- restriction enzymes, joining DNA molecules. DNA amplification, the polymerase chain reaction. Vectors for gene cloningPlasmids, introduction to plasmids

- structure, high and low copy number, different forms, plasmid encoded phenotypes.Replication of plasmids

DNA sequencing methodologies.

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 XII,
Strachan and Read: 0, Human Molecular Genetics,
Mumtaz Anwar, Riyaz Ahmad Rather, Zeenat Farooq: 0, Fundamentals and Advances in Medical Biotechnology,
Kakoli Bose: 0, Textbook on Cloning, Expression and Purification of Recombinant Proteins,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None