Module Details

Module Code: BIOT9011
Title: Synthetic Biology
Long Title: Molecular & Synthetic Biology
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides detailed information on the processes involved in biological information flow in cells, how these processes are regulated and modern approaches for their exploitation for synthetic biology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the key processes of cellular biological information flow; DNA replication, transcription and translation.
LO2 Appraise the different mechanisms of regulation of gene expression.
LO3 Critically evaluate current techniques used in synthetic biology.
LO4 Critically examine the diversity of biological parts for genetic circuit design.
LO5 Critically assess the applications of synthetic biology.
LO6 Demonstrate the ability to write a professional scientific report and communicate the content through an oral presentation.
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
Process of Biological Information Flow
Genome organisation, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
Regulation of gene expression.
Transcriptional, translational and post-translational control of gene expression. Promoters, operons, transcription factors, positive and negative regulation. Antisense RNAs, Riboswitches.
Synthetic biology tools and genetic circuits
DNA synthesis, genetic engineering, cloning. Biological parts, genetic circuit design and assembly. Codon optimisation. De novo genome synthesis.
Applications of synthetic biology
Examples of synthetic biology in bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells and viruses (phage). Inducible systems. Therapeutic applications in cancer therapy, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, drug screening and discovery. Biosafety and biocontainment.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
MCQ exam on course material.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Written report on a current topic in synthetic biology.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Presentation based on written report.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Online Lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Online Tutorial Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of course material and recommended resources Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Online Lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Online Tutorial Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of course material and recommended resources Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Christina Smolke, Sang Yup Lee, Jens Nielsen, Gregory Stephanopoulos. (2018), Synthetic Biology: Parts, Devices and Applications, Vol. 8. Wiley-Blackwell, p.432, [ISBN: 9783527330751].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCOBI_9 Master of Science in Computational Biology 1 Mandatory
CR_SCPBI_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computational Biology 1 Mandatory