BS22520 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Module Identifier

BS22520

Module Title

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Academic Year

2003/2004

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

11 Hours (3 x 3 hour workshops) (1 x 2 hour workshop)

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
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 replication, 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 including how transgenic organisms can be made.

Aims

This module is aimed at providing the fundamental 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.
An introduction for Genomics and Bioinformatics will be given.
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.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5