BS22520 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Module Identifier	BS22520
Module Title	MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Dr Gerard J Bishop
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Dr Glyn Jenkins, Dr Mustak A Kaderbhai, Dr Michael K Winson
Pre-Requisite	BS10510 , BS10910
Course delivery	Lecture	30 Hours
	Practical	8 Hours (4 x 2 hours)
Assessment	Semester Exam	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper	70%
	Semester Assessment	Practical Exercise: Continuous assessment of practical work	30%
	Supplementary Assessment	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed coursework or an alternative)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module the student will

have knowledge of DNA repitition, DNA transcription and RNA translation
have a grounding in the key concepts of molecular approaches to study biological problems
have knowledge of techniques used in molecular biology
be aware of applications of molecular biology.

Aims

This module is aimed at providing the background knowledge and key concepts of molecular approaches used in tackling biological problems.

Content

This is a core module for those wishing to use molecular approaches in biology.
Initially the module will focus on the molecular basics of DNA replication, DNA transcription and RNA translation.
Detailed description of DNA replication, the enzymes involved and how replication proceeds will be presented.
Enzymes and mechanisms involved in the transcription of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes will be described.
The components and machinery of RNA translation will be explained.
A basic understanding of the lac operon will also be presented.
The concepts of gene cloning and recombinant gene expression will be presented.
Uses of Plasmid vectors, antibiotic resistance and restriction endo-nucleases will be explained
Factors affecting choice of cloning vectors will be explained, techniques for making and screening recombinant DNA libraries will be discussed, including agarose-gel electrophoresis and DNA gel blot analysis (Southerns).
Essentials of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques will be taught.
Techniques for studying DNA, including DNA sequencing will be presented.
Techniques for studying RNA, including RNA-gel blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR will be taught.
Techniques for studying proteins, Western blots, 2-D gels, ELISA techniques will be presented.
More sophisticated techniques of in situ hybridisation will be presented.
Molecular biology of selected organisms will be presented, including how transgenics of these organisms can be made.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Lewin, B.. (2000) Genes VII. Oxford Unviersity Press
Lodish,H., Berk, A., Zipursky, S.L., Matsudaira, P., Baltimore, D., Darnell, J.,. (2000) Molecular cell biology. 4th. W.H. Freeman & Company
Turner, P.C., McLennan, A.G., Bates, A.D., & White, M.R.H.. (2000) Instant notes molecular biology. 2nd. BIOS Scientific Publishers Ltd.
Brown, T.A.. (2002) Genomes II. BIOS Scientific Publishers Ltd.