This module will enable you to develop a deep and integrated understanding of molecular biology concepts and laboratory skills, essential for the study of health and disease. Indicative content includes:

A comprehensive exploration of the central dogma of molecular biology, covering DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, and mechanisms of gene and epigenetic regulation.

Analysis of chromosome and genome structure, protein function, and the biochemical pathways underlying cellular metabolism and disease.

Hands-on development of core laboratory competencies, including pipetting, balances, microscopy, aseptic techniques, and cell culture.

Application of key molecular techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, ELISA, and Western blotting to investigate molecular mechanisms in health and disease.

Critical engagement with practical scenarios, including the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders, enabling students to relate molecular findings to clinical contexts.

Reflective and analytical tasks that require students to integrate theoretical principles with laboratory data, fostering critical thinking and scientific communication skills.

Formative Assessment

The assessment will include formative submission opportunities. The formative tasks allow students to receive constructive feedback from academic team which enable students to improve their work before the final submission. Engaging with formative tasks helps students advance their understanding, develop skills, and reduces the risk of under performance in the final assessment.

In addition to formal formative assessments, key elements of each assignment will be discussed during scheduled teaching sessions as part of a feedforward approach. Academic team will provide proactive guidance and clarification on assessment expectations, common challenges, and effective strategies for success before students submit their work.

Summative Assessment

The Molecular Biology Portfolio is a comprehensive assessment that requires students to demonstrate their understanding of DNA structure, function, and replication through both theoretical analysis and practical laboratory work, while also critically evaluating the roles of DNA, RNA, and proteins within biological systems. With a total word limit of 3,000 words, this portfolio challenges students to apply molecular biology concepts to real-world scenarios, particularly in relation to health and disease, by integrating theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and critical analysis into a single cohesive submission.

Learning Outcomes Assessed: 1–3

The learning strategy for this module centres on interactive, face-to-face lectures combined with hands-on laboratory practical sessions ensuring a cohesive learning experience that bridges molecular theory with real-world applications.

Students will engage with core biological concepts including DNA structure, replication, gene regulation, and protein function during in-person sessions. These lectures are designed to foster understanding through discussion, questioning, and collaborative activities, enabling students to explore key molecular processes in depth.

Laboratory practicals are delivered in conjunction with theoretical lectures, allowing students to immediately apply and reinforce their learning through techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel

electrophoresis, microscopy, and protein analysis. This approach promotes active engagement, builds technical competence, and enhances critical thinking by linking experimental results to biological concepts.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology, including DNA/RNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, and essential regulatory mechanisms, and explain how these underpin basic cellular function and health.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Competently perform and interpret fundamental molecular biology laboratory techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to investigate gene expression and protein function in both normal and disease states, reflecting on method, technical accuracy and experimental challenges.

Application & Problem Solving, Reflection, Digital Literacy

3. Integrate laboratory findings with advanced theoretical principles to critically identify, explain and evaluate the molecular basis of genetic disorders, communicating results and their implications for basic diagnosis in a scientific context.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration, Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

Students will require access to an appropriate PC with accompanying software, including Office 365 (MS Teams, OneDrive, Word, and PowerPoint). Core reading materials and scientific literature will be available through the University of Staffordshire library resource page.

All practical classes will be conducted on campus, under the supervision of academic and technical staff, in dedicated teaching laboratories equipped for molecular biology experiments. All necessary laboratory instruments, equipment, and consumables for practical sessions will be provided by the University of Staffordshire.

Essential Resources

1. Alberts, B. et al. (2022). Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th Edition). W.W. Norton. Core text covering fundamental molecular and cell biology concepts.
2. Green, M. & Sambrook, J. (2018). Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (4th Edition). Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Key laboratory manual for molecular biology techniques.
3. Lodish, H. et al. (2021). Molecular Cell Biology (9th Edition). MacMillan.
4. University of Staffordshire Library Databases (e.g., PubMed, ScienceDirect). Access to primary research articles and reviews.

Recommended Resources

1- Brown, T.A. (2017). Genomes (4th Edition). Routledge.
2- Wilson, K. & Walker, J. (2022). Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (8th Edition). Cambridge University Press

This module provides you with the fundamental knowledge and hands on experience needed to understand the molecular basis of life and its relevance to health and disease. You will delve into the essential principles of molecular biology, exploring DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function, as well as key processes such as replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation.

Through a combination of interactive lectures, student-led activities, and laboratory practical you will gain confidence in using essential techniques—from DNA extraction and PCR to gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and ELISA. You will develop the skills to analyse experimental data, interpret molecular mechanisms, and understand how these underpin biological systems and disease processes. By engaging with reflective laboratory work, you will learn to connect theory with practice, critically evaluate scientific evidence, and communicate your findings effectively.