Module: Current Topics in Genetics & Cell Biology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Current Topics in Genetics & Cell Biology
Module Code	GCB1013 (ITS: BE417)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The module aims to promote an appreciation of the contemporary applications of molecular genetic and cell biology methodologies in biomedical research, the biopharmaceutical industry, molecular microbiology, plant biotechnology and forensic-related biological sciences.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline the principle and applications of methods of gene profiling/DNA fingerprinting and tissue identification for forensic purposes
2. Explain the design and applications of DNA microarrays for use in transcriptomic studies
3. Critically appraise real-time PCR technologies and their applications in molecular diagnostics
4. Explain the design and applications of recombinant viral vectors
5. Describe the gene expression and genetic manipulation technologies that enable the high-level and sustained expression of Biopharma products and other recombinant proteins
6. Evaluate and critique research data from investigative experiments in genetics and cell biology
7. Describe the biology of bacterial-plant interactions
8. Explain the techniques used to produce genetically altered plants
9. Discuss the development and release of genetically modified organisms

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	32	Lecture attendance
Independent Study	105	Studying material from lectures
Directed learning	50	Proscribed course reading material
Total Workload: 187

Section Breakdown
CRN	10741	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	Paul Cahill	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Paula Meleady, Ronan O'Toole

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Written Exam	holistic assessment of module	100%	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

Gene profiling/DNA fingerprinting and tissue identification for forensic purposes

DNA microarrays and transcriptomic studies

Microbial molecular diagnostics involving real-time PCR

The design and applications of recombinant viral vectors

Genetic methods for engineering the high-level and sustained expression of Biopharma products and other recombinant proteins

Analysis of research data from investigative experiments in genetics and cell biology

Agrobacterium and its interaction with plants
Ti plasmid-based vectors and plant transformation; Plant transformation and micro projectiles; Inheritance and expression of chimeric genes

Insect/viral/herbicide resistant plants

Transgenic plants for the production of recombinant products

GM plants for fuel and food production

GMO release into the environment

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Reference reading material will be made available during the course,