Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title	Introduction to Microbiology and Genetics
Module Code	BE102
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Level	1	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

Following on from module BE101, which, having introduced the concept of the cell, focuses on the basic biochemistry, physiology and molecular detail of animals and plants; this module covers three themes: (i) The diversity of the microbial world, and (ii) An introduction to cell culturing (growth under specified conditions for a specific purpose) - animal, plant and microbial.(iii) An introduction to genetics as it applies to all forms of life (with a particular emphasis on humans).

Learning Outcomes

The student will:

Learn about the diversity of the microbial world.
Gain knowledge about what requirements (both nutritional and physical) are necessary for the culturing of cells.
Gain knowledge of the basic principles underlying the field of genetics in general, and human genetics in particular.
Understand the molecular structure and behaviour of genes and genomes.
Learn about the Human Genome Project and some of the potential applications of the newer gene-based technologies.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	36
Tutorials	12
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	27

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

Cell Culture (to encompass all cell types)(6 weeks)(to include an Introduction to `Diversity of Microorganisms''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''). Introduction to Microorganisms (12H) Bacteria ( Eubacteria/Archaebacteria)Protists/Algae/Fungi/Viruses. Biotech Applications: Disease/Medical & Sources of Commercial Products. Cell Culture (6H) - to include ALL cell types (plant/animal/microbe).Nutrient & other physical/chemical requirements.Sterility & Containment (Application: Food preservation)Fermentation (Batch/Fed-batch/Continuous). Applications: Recombinant protein (Humulin); Antibiotics; Subtilsin; Probiotics; Growth factors; Shikowin/BerberineGenetics (6 weeks) ·Introduction to Genetics: Different Investigative Approaches; Darwin & Evolution; genetic variation - central; Chromosome number - Karyotyping; Chromosome mutations, examples. Totipotency/Differentiated cells/Cloning - Dolly the sheep.·Mendelian Genetics( basic principles); Pedigree analysis; Morgan''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s Fruit Flies - tracing a gene to a specific c/some. Introduction to human genetic diseases (eg; PKU, CF, Hemophila and hemochromatosis). Structure and physical properties of DNA molecules. Introduction to genes; The genetic code; Relationship between genes and proteins; Gene mutations (and consequences), examples; allele frequencies in different populations. Genetic testing/screening.·Applications of recombinant DNA technologies; Food, Health & Environment; GMOs. Production of genetically engineered pharmaceuticals, transgenic organisms, pharming.·Human Genome Project: Medical consequences and Ethical Issues; Model Organisms: Concept of comparative genomics (video); Concept of pharmacogenomics; Genetic databases: From Iceland to GATTACA (video).

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Indicative Reading List

Biology by S.S.Mader (WCB Publishers)Biology by N.A.Campbell and J.B.Reece (Benjamin Cummings)

Biology of Microorganisms by Brock (Prentice hall)

FURTHER INFORMATION

BE101/BE102/BE113 current academic year 2007/2008

If students are taking modules BE101, BE102 and BE113** for the first time as part of a full 60 credit academic year in 2007/2008 the following rule applies:

At the first attempt modules BE101 and BE102 are added together and averaged in order to give a result in the ten-credit module BE113. The minimum pass mark for module BE113 is 40%. No minimum pass mark is required in either of the individual sub modules BE101 and BE102 at the first attempt. Similarly there is no required minimum mark in either the exam or continuous assessment portion of each module. Normal University compensation regulations will apply to the main module BE113 only.

If a student fails to reach a mark of 40% in main module BE113, and is not eligible to compensate according to University guidelines in module BE113, then they must repeat all of the individual sub-module(s) (BE101 & BE102) where they received a mark of less that 40%.

Students must receive a minimum mark of 40% in any repeated sub-module(s). Both BE101 and BE102 must be passed with a minimum mark of 40% at a repeat sitting and compensation will not apply at a repeat sitting. However, the continuous assessment portion of the mark will be disregarded where it disadvantages the student and only the exam mark recorded for the repeat module.

**Students who register for modules BE101 and BE102 must also register for the combined master module BE113 for averaging purposes.

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.

BSc in Analytical Science

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Biotechnology

CES

BSc Common Entry into Science

ECSA