Module: Cell Biology, Recombinant DNA Cloning & Bioinformatics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Cell Biology, Recombinant DNA Cloning & Bioinformatics
Module Code	GCB1011 (ITS: BE357)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will provide a detailed understanding of the methods used in: (i) mammalian cell biology including basic cell culture techniques, cell counting, seeding growth and cell viability studies in addition to training in techniques for assessment of cell differentiation (phenotype) in situ (immunocytochemistry), cell signalling and protein expression (Western blotting) and cell secretion of proteins (ELISA-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). (ii) The basic practical techniques of Polymerase Chain Reaction, recombinant DNA technology and to develop their understanding of strategies used in the construction, confirmation and expression of recombinant molecules in bacterial cells. Bioinformatics will include sequence retrieval and analysis of protein coding sequences. Attendance at practical sessions is mandatory and students are expected to engage in tutorial sessions and complete assignments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform routine cell culture using adherent mammalian cells to learn basic cell counting, cell adherence growth and viability assays.
2. Measure the phenotype and differentiation state of a cell using fluorescent immunocytochemistry in situ.
3. Measure the concentration of an intracellular protein in a cell lysate.
4. Perform SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis to prove for the presence of specific intracellular proteins.
5. Perform an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of secreted proteins from cells.
6. Perform basic recombinant DNA cloning techniques.
7. Use specific genomic databases and bioinformatics software packages.
8. Design an experiment to generate a recombinant DNA clone of a gene of interest using PCR.
9. Interpret restriction maps of recombinant DNA molecules.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	24	Series of practicals related to cell biology methods and recombinant DNA cloning
Online activity	12	Bioinformatics assignment
Assignment Completion	24	Data analysis and report writing
Independent Study	65	Reading of specified materials and independent learning time
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10739	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan O'Toole	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Emma Finlay, Jiafu Wang, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Ability to engage and perform experimental protocols proficiently in a standard laboratory environment.	20%	n/a
Report(s)	Laboratory reports where individual group and class data are presented and discussed for assessment.	60%	n/a
In Class Test	In-class test of cell biology knowledge as it relates to practical experimentation.	10%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment to assess proficiency in utilising bioinformatic tools for designing a recombinant DNA cloning experiment.	10%	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

Mammalian cell culture and assessment of growth and viability.

The techniques of fluorescent in situ immunocytochemistry, protein concentration determination, Western blotting & ELISA

Recombinant DNA cloning in E.coli
Recombinant DNA cloning in E.coli and includes the following techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, Gateway cloning technology, bacterial transformation and selection, restriction enzyme mapping.

Access and analyse a specific protein coding DNA sequence of interest.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Laboratory protocols and associated resources are to be available on Loop.,