Molecular Biology of the Gene
| Module title | Molecular Biology of the Gene |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIO2089 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Steven Bates (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 140 |
|---|
Module description
The molecular machinery inside a cell conducts the fundamental processes required for life. In this module you will focus on the central dogma of molecular biology: how the information stored in the genome of an organism is expressed. You will first focus on the forms of information within the genome and how these are maintained, before exploring the molecular detail of how the information is expressed. Following on from this you will concentrate on how these processes can be regulated such that a cell can respond to its environment.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to develop a core understanding of molecular biology and genetics. It will cover a range of topics including: genome structure, organisation and packaging; genome replication and repair; the process of gene expression through transcription, RNA processing and translation; protein targeting; regulation of gene expression. Molecular detail and examples will be drawn from both bacteria and eukaryotes.
Graduate attributes: This module will give you a sound understanding of molecular biology, essential for laboratory-based jobs in this area. You will develop your critical thinking and data analysis skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe in some detail and discuss genome organisation and packaging in prokaryotes bacteria and eukaryotes
- 2. Explain the molecular processes involved in DNA replication and repair
- 3. Explain the processes involved in gene expression in prokaryotes bacteria and eukaryotes
- 4. Discuss the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes bacteria and eukaryotes
- 5. Describe in some detail and discuss protein targeting in bacteria and eukaryotes
- 6. Demonstrate computer skills for basic biological sequence analysis
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Describe and evaluate approaches to our understanding of molecular biology with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles
- 8. Describe in some detail essential facts and theory across a subdiscipline of the biosciences
- 9. Identify critical questions from the literature and synthesise research-informed examples from the literature into written work
- 10. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 11. Communicate ideas, principles and theories fluently by written means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
- 12. Develop, with some guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with valid conclusions
- 13. Collect and interpret appropriate data, drawing on a range of sources, with limited guidance
Syllabus plan
The module syllabus will cover aspects of: DNA replication and repair; Genome structure and packaging; Transcription and RNA processing; Regulation of gene expression; Translation and protein targeting. Molecular detail and examples will be drawn from both bacteria and eukaryotes. Laboratory practical classes cover aspects of regulation of gene expression in bacteria and eukaryotes, plus DNA damage and repair. In addition, a computer-based bioinformatics practical covers gene identification and sequence analysis.
Accessibility Statement:
As part of this module you will undertake four laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory (of up to 200 students) that are of 2-3 hrs in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in pairs or groups, and involve fine laboratory work and the use of Bunsen burner flames and mechanical equipment. In addition you will also undertake a session in the computing laboratory (of up to 80 students), working individually, that is 1.5-2 hrs in duration. For all practicals, breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 114 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 12 | Laboratory practical classes (4 x 3 hours) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Bioinformatics practical (1 x 2 hours) |
| Guided Independent Study | 66 | Lecture consolidation and associated reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 48 | Coursework and exam revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecturer feedback during contact sessions | Ad hoc | 1-8, 10-13 | Oral |
| Feedback via ELE Forum | Ad hoc | 1-9, 11-13 | Written |
| Formative MCQ quizzes | Ad hoc | 1-5, 8, 10, 12-13 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay examination | 60 | 1000 words | 1-5, 7-13 | Written |
| Practical report | 40 | 1500 words | 2, 4, 6-8, 10-13 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay examination | Essay examination (60%) | 1-5, 7-13 | August Ref/Def |
| Practical report | Practical report (40%) | 2, 4, 6-8, 10-13 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Many recent textbooks covering molecular biology/genetics/biochemistry are suitable for this module. The following examples are available as eBooks from the library:
Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th Edition) EAN: 9781317563754
Watson et al., Molecular Biology of the Gene (7th Edition) EAN: 9780321762436
Russell., iGenetics: a molecular approach (3rd Edition) EAN: 9781292038728
Berg et al., Biochemistry (8th Edition) EAN: 9781319051853
Garrett & Grisham, Biochemistry (6th Edition) EAN : 9781473745599
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Review articles and primary research publications
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | BIO1334 Genetics or NSC1003 Foundations in Natural Science |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 30/10/2023 |
