This module is intended to provide the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built and is designed to cover the fundamental principles of molecular biology across a wide range of topics. You will investigate the following: the structure of DNA, how DNA replicates in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, gene and genome structure in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, transcription, RNA processing, RNA structures, the genetic code, translation, posttranslational modification, the levels of protein organisation, DNA binding proteins, structural motifs, outline of gene regulation/control, structure and genetics of immunoglobulins, enzymes/overview of pathway interactions in metabolism.

The Masters in Molecular Biology is delivered on campus through a combination of lectures workshops and practical classes alongside directed self-study. This module is strongly supported by the key text 'Molecular Biology of the Cell'. This content will be delivered as discrete topics involving workshop activities based around the text and other sources. Each topic will involve the completion of one or more tasks to test your understanding of the material. The tasks will be completed as part of a portfolio to be submitted for assessment.

1. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE CENTRAL DOGMA OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY.
2. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE PROCESSES INVOLVED IN THE CENTRAL DOGMA.
3. UNDERSTAND THE INTERACTIONS OF DNA AND PROTEINS.
4. RESTATE AN OVERVIEW OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN STRUCTURE/GENETICS.
5. EXPLAIN THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF PATHWAYS IN SELECTED AREAS OF METABOLISM.

Summative: Submission of a portfolio of learning outcomes (1-5), 100%¿

Formative assessment and feedback will be given over the portfolio of tasks associated with the module topics. Peer and tutor feedback from formative assessment is designed to guide your successful completion of summative assessment.

The essential text is¿
Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2014). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition. WM Norton. ISBN 978-0-393-87094-7¿

You may also find the following texts useful¿
Brown. T.A. (2016). Genomes 4. Routledge. ISBN 9780815345084¿

Turner, P.C., Mc. Lennan, A.G., Bates, A.D. & White M.R.H. (2012). Instant notes in Molecular Biology, 4th edition. Taylor and Francis. ISBN 10:0415684161

None

On this module you will study the fundamental principles of molecular biology. This includes: the structure and function of DNA, RNA, genes and genomes: replication, processing and modifications that occur: and the mechanisms of regulation and control.

You will need access to a computer and access to the internet.¿