The practical component of the module takes place over a 7 day period. Over this time the content will be delivered as a combination of workshops, seminars and practical classes. For practical sessions, the initiation of experimental work is necessarily tutor centred.

Preparation for the practical week takes place via distance learning activities that develop the theoretical background to the laboratory work. After the practical week a set of activities in a VLE will deal with data analysis, interpretation and presentation.

In all activities the wider application of the techniques, beyond those exercises undertaken in the laboratory, will be emphasised and discussed, in particular the application to health related matters.

Assessment is linked to the learning outcomes in that the following are formally assessed: attendance on and execution of practical activities, practical competence, accurate recording and presentation of data , theoretical knowledge, understanding how the techniques could be applied to address different problem, skills of data analysis and interpretation.

Resources for practical molecular biology including adequately equipped laboratories. Access to computers and internet. Access to suitable accommodation for small group work. Access to library resources including BIDS, ATHENS etc.

The module will cover the major techniques of DNA analysis in theory and in practice.
The work is related to a theme of cloning a gene from bacteria, for speed, but the general application of the techniques beyond the specific problems in the practical classes, to other aspects of biology and health will be stressed.
Specifically, the following procedures will be employed:- Extraction and purification of genomic and plasmid DNA, restriction, ligation of DNA, making gene libraries; making competent cells and transformation; cloning the gene of interest; hybridisation technologies, Southern and colony hybridisation; DNA sequencing; PCR.

Undertaking these practical classes develops accuracy and technical competence in micromanipulation, skills essential for successful molecular biological work. Discussion of complex sequential protocols, comparison of different protocols to achieve the same aim. Development of experimental planning skills and allied time management, with reference to complex procedures. Introduction to software applicable to molecular biology. Use of internet as source of reference material and details of molecular protocols and advances in molecular technology.

Formative feedback will be given over the portfolio of tasks associated with the module topics. Discussion between students will be encouraged allowing peer and tutor feedback to be given.

Summative :- Coursework 100% distributed as follows:

Portfolio of preparatory tasks related to theoretical knowledge of practical methods and techniques covered in module 50% (2, 4, 6)

Report of the laboratory activities, including presentation and analysis of the data. 50% (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)

Full details of assessment are provided in the module handbook

PASS CRITERIA - Grade Points 7 - 9. Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the fundamental concepts, evidence of working beyond delivered material with good use of relevant procedures/examples. Tasks competently completed.
Structure is appropriate although there are weaknesses.

MERIT CRITERIA - Grade Points 10 - 12. Showing breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, well balanced and relevant , able to represent findings/arguments in a clear, coherent manner with supporting evidence. Well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the key questions. Evidence of wide reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature. Good synthesis and evaluation. Theory and practice well linked.

DISTINCTION CRITERIA - Grade Points 13 - 15. Substantial evidence of originality and creativity in response. Shows all the qualities of accomplished work, but exhibits them to a high degree. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Much evidence of well incorporated background reading from the literature, beyond the study guide. Excellent use of relevant procedures/examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed with presentation and structure of a very high quality.

The key text is:-

Winfrey M. R, Rott M. A and Wortman A. T (1997) Unravelling DNA - Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-2700-344.

You may also find the following text useful

T.A. Brown (2010). Gene cloning and DNA analysis, 6th edition. Wiley - Blackwell Science. ISBN 10:1405181737