Molecular Biology is the study and application of biomolecules to understand their generation, composition, structure and interactions as part of vital processes for life. The central dogma of life states that genetic information provides the code for proteins so that cells can function and replicate.



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 function of proteins with a focus on immunoglobulins and enzymes.



The module will also cover the major techniques used to extract, manipulate and analyse nucleic acids and proteins. Undertaking these practical classes develops accuracy and technical competence in micromanipulation, skills essential for successful molecular biological work.

The evidence log of practical skills in Molecular Biology (LO 3) will allow students to demonstrate relevant practical skills in molecular biology. These practical skills may be acquired from previous/current experience and must be verifiable by an individual approved by the course team. If you have no previous experience or can not have the practical skills verified, you must attend on campus practical sessions. The evidence log will be submitted as a formative assessment to determine whether all practical skills have been successfully undertaken prior to a final summative assessment of all practical skills.


Principles of Molecular Biology portfolio (LOs 1-3). 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 Masters in Molecular Biology is delivered on campus through a combination of lectures workshops and practical classes alongside directed self-study. Theory will be taught in lectures and workshops. Practical skills will be taught in laboratory sessions with theory behind these skills and data review sessions as lectures and workshops.


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. Demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of the central dogma of molecular biology and be able to distinguish between the processes involved in the central dogma.

Analysis, Communication, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection


2. Demonstrate independent learning required to advance knowledge and understanding of the interactions of DNA and Proteins and be able to relate protein structure to function, including enzyme function in metabolic and signal transduction pathways.

Analysis, Enquiry, Application, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving

4. Demonstrate a systematic practical and theoretical knowledge of methods and techniques used to extract, manipulate and analyse nucleic acids and proteins for various applications in current molecular biology.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Learning

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

Access to laboratory facilities with specialist molecular biology equipment.

Access to software for portfolio preparation and logging practical evidence, including data analysis.

Library access to primary and review articles in subject specific journals.

The essential text is¿
Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2022). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition. WM Norton. ISBN 978-0-393-42708-0

You may also find the following texts useful¿
Brown. T.A. (2017). Genomes Routledge. ISBN 9780815345084¿

Lodish, H., Berk, A., Kaiser C., Krieger M., Bretscher, A., Ploegh, H., Martin, K., Yaffe, M., Amon, A., (2021) Molecular Cell Biology (9th Edition). MacMillan.


Green, M., and Sambrook, J., (2018) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (4th Edition). Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

During this module you will study the fundamental principles and techniques of molecular biology. This includes: the structure and function of DNA, RNA, genes, genomes and proteins: DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms of regulation and control. You will also get hands-on experience in our state of the art facilities where you will undertake practical methods used to extract, manipulate and analyse nucleic acids and proteins.