Module Details

Module Code: GENE8002
Title: Molecular Biology
Long Title: Molecular Biology
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4212 - Genetics
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides a detailed analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome content and gene regulation. Gene therapy and its potential utility and current limitations are described. The theory and practice of gene cloning and other advanced molecular biology techniques are performed.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Review genomic organisation and predict the effects of genome evolution.
LO2 Discuss the principles and processes of gene regulation.
LO3 Assess the uses, recent advances and limitations of gene cloning and gene therapy.
LO4 Practice molecular biology techniques and in silico DNA analysis and interpret and troubleshoot data generated.
LO5 Recognise, manage, and contain the different hazards encountered in clinical laboratories and apply the appropriate Health & Safety procedures.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Genome organisation
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome organisation. Mobile genetic elements. Genome evolution.
Gene regulation in prokaryotes
Principles. Transcrptional control. Operons. Attenuation. Alternative sigma factor. Post Transcriptional control.
Gene regulation in eukaryotes
Transcription factors. RNA Processing. Alternate splicing. Gene rearrangements. Tissue specific expression.
Gene therapy
Principles, methods, applications.
Gene Cloning Theory and Practice
Principles, vectors and applications.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Molecular biology thoery of genomes and prokaryotic gene regulation
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Short answer questions and problem solving
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Molecular biology theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Techniques of molecular biology Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Krebs J. E, Goldstein ES, Kilpatrick ST. (2020), Lewin's Essential Genes, Fourth. Jones and Bartlett Publishing Inc, [ISBN: 978128417313].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert F. Weaver. (2011), Molecular Biology, Fifth. Mc Graw Hill, [ISBN: 9780071275484].
  • Brown T. A.. (2018), Genomes 4, Fourth. Garland Science Pub., New York, [ISBN: 9780815345084].
  • Tropp B. E.. (2013), Principles of Molecular Biology, First. Jones and Bartlett Publishing Inc., [ISBN: 9781449689179].
  • Brown TA. (2016), Gene cloning and DNA analysis, Seventh. Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781119072560].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBISC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science 6 Mandatory