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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title Human Molecular Genetics & Plant Biotechnolog
Module Code BE434
School School of Biotechnology

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Anne Parle-McDermottOffice NumberX227
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The purpose of this module is to build on the principles of recombinant DNA technology and gene expression introduced in Module BE301. Students will develop a good understanding of how this knowledge has been extended and developed to analyse and manipulate the genomes of plants and humans by gaining knowledge in bacterial-plant interactions, Genetically Modified Organisms, human inheritance and genetic variation of both mendelian and non-mendelian traits. Students are expected to attend lectures and participate in tutorial discussions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the biology of bacterial-plant interactions.
2. Explain the techniques used to produce genetically altered plants.
3. Discuss the development and release of genetically modified organisms.
4. Describe the steps involved in identifying human disease genes and explain by giving examples.
5. Discuss the details of the latest technical advances in human genomics.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Topics relating to Human Molecular Genetics and Plant Biotechnology
Tutorial2Case Studies
Independent Study99Extra reading and revision
Total Workload: 125

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

Genetic Analysis and Manipulation of Plants.
Agrobacterium and its interaction with plants. Ti plasmid-based vectors and plant transformation. Plant transformation and microprojectiles. 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.

Human Molecular Genetics.
Human recombination and genetic mapping. Approaches to identifying the genes responsible for monogenic disorders. The latest therapeutic approaches to treating monogenic diseases. An understanding of oligogenic & polygenic inheritance and quantitative & discontinuous traits. How to conduct an association study and utilize the HapMap data. An understanding of linkage disequilibrium. Latest technologies and post-human genome projects. The impact of the environment on the human genome.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight100%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Strachan and Read: 0, Human Molecular Genetics,
  • Sudbery: 0, Human molecular genetics,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BTBSc in Biotechnology
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
GCBBSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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