This module is designed to integrate theory and practice, and to develop students' critical thinking and
experimental design skills both of which will contribute to their employability.
Broadly, the module aims to develop the introductory genetics from Level 4 beyond the fundamentals, through level 5 and as a support to level 6 modules. The applications of molecular genetics to modern cell biology with particular emphasis towards human genetics and health will be a major theme, though the general application will also be considered at all points.
The content will include the architecture of the genome, karyotyping, recombination, linkage and mapping.
Discussion of the mosaic structure of eukaryotic genes, leads to RNA splicing and the control of gene
expression (regulatory elements, promoters, terminators), imprinting and epigenetics.

The tools for genetic engineering and analysis, restriction enzymes, DNA ligase, vectors and gene libraries,
their construction; genomic and cDNA libraries will be covered followed by the various methods of selecting
individual genes from libraries. Nucleic acid hybridisation (northern and Southern blotting), DNA sequencing
and the polymerase chain reaction will be covered in workshops prior to the practical classes as major techniques in DNA technology. The practical component will include some basic techniques of molecular biology related to DNA analysis and genotyping, including purification and gel electrophoresis of nucleic acids, hybridisation technology, polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing
Consideration will be given to that information can be gleaned from genetic data.
Overall the practical component consists of the fundamental techniques of molecular genetics.

Students will be required to complete 1 piece of summative assessment as follows

A portfolio (of approximately 2000 words) based on 5 short tests related to the key techniques covered in the theory. Students have to demonstrate and evaluate their knowledge and understanding of the experimental approaches in this field as well as analysis of the data and planning for future experiments. These tests will take place online. (Learning outcomes 1, 2,3,4 and 5) Weighting 100%


Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
The use of short answer tests for the practical work will allow rapid feedback, allowing students to assess
their progress on this part of the course.

Brown, T. A. 2010. Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis. 6th ed. Wiley-Blackwell
Brown, T. A. 2011. Introduction to Genetics: A Molecular Approach. Garland Science
Coico, R. and Sunshine, G. (2009) Immunology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Lodish, H., Berk, A., Kaiser, C.A., Krieger, M. Scott, M.P., Bretscher, A., Ploegh, H. and Matsudaira, P.
(2008). Molecular Cell Biology. W.H. Freeman and Co., New York.
Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K. and Walter P. 6th ed. (2015). Molecular Biology of the Cell.
Garland Science, New York.

Jones, A., Reed, R. and Weyers, J. (2003). Practical Skills in Biology. Pearson Education Ltd, Harlow, UK.

iNTERNET SOURCES ARE VERY USEFUL FOR THIS MODULE. STUDENTS WIL BE DIRECTED TO APPROPRIATE ONES DURING THE MODULE.

Suitably equipped classrooms and laboratories
- Access to University Library and Sciences Learning Resource Centre
- Access to Blackboard and the Internet The internet is a very important resource for this module and the
students will be encouraged to make wide use of it.
- Video material is also available in the Learning resource Centre and via the internet.

Study of “Building Blocks of Life” and “Bioscience Concepts and Practice” at level 4.

1. EXPLAIN THE MAJOR CONCEPTS OF MOLECULAR GENETICS DEVELOPED FROM LEVEL 4 AND HAVE DEVELOPED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE KEY TECHNOLOGIES
OF GENETIC ANALYSIS AND MOLECULAR GENETICS
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. EVALUATE THE APPLICATION OF THE TECHNIQUES COVERED FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND
TREATMENT OF GENETIC DISEASE AND BE AWARE OF THE BROADER IMPORTANCE OF THE
TECHNIQUES IN TERMS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
Analysis
Application

3. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF PRACTICAL PROCEDURES INVOLVING A RANGE OF
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND APPROPRIATELY INTERPRET FINDINGS IN THE CONTEXT OF
PUBLISHED BIOLOGICAL LITERATURE
Enquiry
Analysis
Application

4. DEMONSTRATE CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF GENETICS
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

5. OUTLINE EXPERIMENTAL STRATEGIES TOWARD A SPECIFIC GOAL USING THE TECHNOLOGY of DNA ANALYSIS; DNA EXTRACTION, RESTRICTION, GEL ELECTROPHORSIS, PCR, DNA SEQUENCING. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY THE BACKGROUND AND OUTCOME OF TOPICS IN THIS MODULE
Problem Solving
Communication

"The module is delivered as a blend of DL and face-to-face.

Face to face contact will allow you to consolidate the material covered and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the material covered.

Independent and Distance Learning Study, practice-based workshops/practical work, reading PowerPoint presentatons, on-line tutor led activity will occupy your time. literature search/reading/ preparation for practicals and supplementing lecture material together with writing practical reports and workshop material, plus preparation for assessment."