Module: Molecular Cloning and Cell Culture Practicals

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Molecular Cloning and Cell Culture Practicals
Module Code	GCB1018 (ITS: BE380)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The Practical Molecular and Cell Biology module is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in fundamental molecular and cell biology techniques. The module aims to extend students' understanding of molecular and cell biology concepts, develop key technical laboratory skills, and improve their challenge-based learning by fostering collaboration and critical thinking.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the health and safety requirements of working in a laboratory and demonstrate ethical reasoning in the context of gene cloning, genetic modification or genome editing.
2. Apply computational tools to perform bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequences
3. Understand the principles and steps of recombinant DNA cloning and apply this knowledge effectively in laboratory experimentation
4. Develop practical experience in the use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify a target gene
5. Apply the use of restriction digestion and DNA ligation to generate a recombinant plasmid in the laboratory
6. Measure DNA quality, quantities and transformation efficiencies
7. Introduce DNA vectors into mammalian cells using transfection techniques and analyse their expression
8. Perform problem solving, data interpretation and critical thinking in an experimental context

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	3	Bioinformatics for Recombinant DNA Analysis
Online activity	15	Bioinformatics assignment preparation
Laboratory	24	Practical experimental work
Tutorial	9	Data analysis and interpretation
Independent Study	74	Preparation before lab, data analysis, literature review, and studying
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12219	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jiafu Wang	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Emma Finlay, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Bioinformatics tasks	30%	n/a
Report(s)	Laboratory reports	30%	n/a
Practical/skills evaluation	Laboratory Proficiency	10%	n/a
In Class Test	Include questions on bioinformatics and the recombinant DNA and cell culture practicals	30%	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
• Recombinant DNA cloning including the following techniques: PCR; gel electrophoresis; DNA purification; restriction digestion; DNA ligation; transformation; clonal selection; plasmid preparation; restriction enzyme mapping • Expression of target gene in bacterial cells and phenotypic analysis • Mammalian cell culture and assessment of growth and viability • Expression of target gene in mammalian cells and microscopy analysis

Practical Manual
GCB1018 Molecular Cloning and Cell Culture Practical Manual

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None