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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2006 - 2007

Module Title	Gene Cloning and Gene Expression
Module Code	BE301
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Level	3	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

To develop a good understanding of the biology of bacteriophages and plasmids.
To teach the basis for techiques used in the manipulation of DNA and to provide a theoretical background that would enable students to learn the skills involved in DNA manipulation.
To develop an appreciation and understanding of the complexity of gene expression and its control, with an emphasis on eukaryotic systems.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to understand:

The structure and functioning of selected plasmids and phages, particularly in regard replication mechanisms.
The biological importance of plasmids and phages, including their role in the evolution of bacterial populations.
The important features of vectors used in gene cloning, the enzymology of gene cloning, the strategies used in the construction and screening of gene libraries and in the analysis of cloned genes.- Control of gene expression in selected prokaryotic systems.- The structure and organisation of eukaryotic genomes.
The various events that determine and control gene expression in eukaryotes.
The complexity of gene expression in eukaryotes.
The basic key techniques for analysing gene function and protein-DNA interactions.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	36
Tutorials	4
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	35

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

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

-direction of replication, priming, elongation, termination, control of replication, host functions, incompatibility, amplification.Bacteriophages - phage lambda, lytic and lysogenic life cycle, replication of lambda, packaging, control of lysogeny. Cosmid and phagemid vectors for gene cloning.Introduction of DNA into cells, gene libraries, identification of recombinant clones.DNA analysis, hybridisation, Southern and northern blotting, DNA synthesis

DNA sequencing methodologies.

In vitro site-specific mutagenesis.
Methodologies for studying protein-nucleic acid interactions.
Prokaryotic biosynthetic operon (tryptophan operon)
Molecular mechanism of control.- Eukaryotic genomes (with emphasis on the human genome), structural features, repeated vs unique sequences, organisation and distribution of genes/gene families,
Gene structure, pseudogenes.
Chromatin structure, DNA methylation in eucaryotes, Nucleosonal phasing.
Overview of gene expression. RNA polymerises, RNA transcription/processing (including RNA splicing mechanisms). Differential/tissue specific expression, enhancers. Translation, mRNA stability, post-tranlational processing and protein structure.
Organisation and expression of immunoglobulin genes, DNA splicing, class switching, exclusion, clonal selection, somatic mutation.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Indicative Reading List

Essential:

Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, J. Dale (Wiley).Analysis of Genes and Genomes, R.J. ReeceGenetics - a Molecular Approach, T.A. Brown, 2nd Edition (Chapman & Hall).

Recombinant DNA, Watson, Gilman, Witkowski and Zoller (Scientific AmericanBooks, 1992).

Supplementary:

Bacterial Plasmids, K. Hardy (van Nostrand).Human Molecular Genetics, Strachan and Read (BIOS Scientific, 2000).An introduction to GENETIC ANALYSIS, Griffiths et al.

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Analytical Science

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Biotechnology

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

GCB