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Molecular Biology of the Gene

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. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how genetic information is stored, expressed, and regulated in bacteria and eukaryotes
• 2. Demonstrate competency in a range of molecular and microbiological methods, and show understanding of how those methods are applied in research

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Collect and interpret quantitative data, including the application of relevant statistical methods
• 4. Demonstrate competency in the reading and interpretation of scientific literature

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Demonstrate the ability to link and evaluate ideas from different sources to reach evidence-based and independent conclusions
• 6. Develop effective academic and scientific writing.

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)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

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 (7^th 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

• ELE page:
  

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Review articles and primary research publications

Key words search

Molecular biology, genome, DNA replication, DNA repair, gene expression, transcription, translation, protein modification