Aims and objectives
The module is aimed at providing the background knowledge and understanding of molecular approaches in tackling biological problems.

Content
This is a core module for those wishing 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 presented.
A basic understanding of the lac operon will also be explained.
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
Choice of cloning vector for the size of DNA to be cloned and organism for gene cloning will be explained.
Techniques for making and screening recombinant DNA libraries will be explained.
Including, agarose gel electrophoresis, 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 namely Yeast, plants and mice. Including how transgenics of these organisms can be made.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module the student will

• have a sound grounding in molecular approaches to study biological problems
• this will include knowledge of applications of molecular biology.