Module Details

Module Code: BIOL8023
Title: Cell Systems Biology
Long Title: Cell Systems Biology
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides a comprehensive overview of Systems Biology – the interdisciplinary analysis of complex biological networks across multiple hierarchical levels in situ.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Define the concept of systems biology and outline its contribution to modern molecular biology.
LO2 Describe gene mining in the context of large scale DNA sequencing from a number of different environments.
LO3 Outline how gene array technology can be used to identify when and to what extent genes are activated.
LO4 Critically evaluate the techniques used for studying protein function and interactions.
LO5 Describe how metabolic profiling can lead to a greater understanding of physiological processes.
LO6 Critically evaluate the current literature relating to different aspects of systems biology.
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
Systems Biology Overview
An introduction to the concept of systems biology and its role in integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic information to give a more complete picture of living organisms.
Genomics and Metagenomics
A comprehensive overview of large scale DNA sequencing strategies; from the human genome project to environmental metagenomics. Genetic Linkage mapping will be discussed in the context of genetic map distance, mapping functions and LOD score analysis. Physical mapping will be discussed in the context of Next Generation sequencing technologies; including 454, Illumina, Ion Torrent and SOLiD, among others.
Transcriptomics
A detailed analysis of the complete set of RNA transcripts (expressed DNA) produced by the genome at a particular time or in response to external stimuli. This will involve a detailed overview of current microarray technologies (two-channel arrays, oligonucleotide arrays and exon arrays) and microarray quality control standards.
Proteomics
Analyses of the entire protein complement of an organism, with particular emphasis on structure, function and global protein interactions. Techniques covered will include Western blots, 2D-SDS PAGE, LC, MS, ICAT, SELDI MS and protein arrays.
Metabolomics
A systematic study of how metabolic profiling can give an instantaneous snapshot of the physiology of an organism. This will involve a detailed overview of metabolic profiling and analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, NMR) in the context of the Human Microbiome Project.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Detailed case studies on the key topics covered in class
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
50 Question MCQ
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 Class based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Presentations Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Roy Sleator and Colin Hill (Editor). Patho-Biotechnology, [ISBN: 978-1-58706-304-6].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 7 Mandatory