Formative feedback will be given over the activities and tasks associated with the module topics. These will be discussion in online tutorials. Discussion between students will be encouraged allowing peer and tutor feedback to be given.

Summative :- Coursework 100% as follows:

Report, a portfolio of the laboratory activities, including presentation and analysis of the data. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) - - this will be largely completed in the course off the practical work and during workshops - - the laboratory protocols will be provided and associated with each of these will be questions related to the data and its interpretation..

Full details of assessment are provided in the module handbook

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.

1) PERFORM A STANDARD MOLECULAR BIOLOGY PROTOCOL COMPETENTLY. Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving, Application, Reflection
2) A PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE OF METHODS AND TECHNIQUES USED TO EXTRACT, MANIPULATE AND ANALYSE NUCLEIC ACIDS Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry, Application, Learning
3) A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF THE BROAD APPLICABILITY OF THE TECHNIQUES. Knowledge and Understanding, Learning,
4) ANALYSE APPROPRIATELY AND EFFECTIVELY COMPLEX DATA USING APPROPRIATE METHODS ANSD SOFTWARE RELATED TO THE TECHNIQUES. Analysis, Problem Solving, Knowledge and Understanding, Application , Reflection
5) EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Communication, Reflection

There is no recent standard text to cover the breadth of this module. The range of techniques to be used are very well covered with material on the internet and much use will be made of this. The general scheme for the work is based on an old text

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

but the methodologies here are old, the scheme of the work will be undertaken with more modern approaches.

The following text is useful for the theory of the techniques.

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

Content for the practical module will be delivered as a combination of workshops, seminars and practical classes. You will complete practical work in our state-of-the-art facilities during our residential. Workshop activities 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 as well as how with new technologies approaches to genetic analysis are rapidly changing.

Resources for practical molecular biology including adequately equipped laboratories. Access to computers and internet.

This practical course will cover the key techniques in DNA analysis. The module focuses on gene cloning from bacteria. The application of these to wider aspects of biology and health will be stressed.