Module Details

Module Code: GENE7001
Title: Molecular Biology Principles
Long Title: Molecular Biology Principles
NFQ Level: Intermediate
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 introduces the student to the field of molecular biology by providing an understanding of the fundamentals of this area and an introduction to the laboratory techniques used in its analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the structure of the important nucleic acids and the processes involved in the flow of information from DNA to protein in the cell.
LO2 Distinguish chromosome structures, mutations, mutagenesis and repair processes of the cell.
LO3 Discuss transposable elements and gene transfer processes of prokaryotic cells.
LO4 Perform core molecular biology techniques and prepare written laboratory reports to evaluate the experimental 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
Overview of nucleic acids
DNA and RNA structure. Physical and chemical properties of nucleic acids. Replication. Transcription and Translation.
DNA damage, mutations and repair
Types of mutations and mutagens. repair processes including excision repair and SOS repair mechanisms.
Transposable elements and gene transfer processes.
Insertion sequences, transposons, eukaryotic TEs. Transformation. Transduction. Conjugation. Genetic recombination.
Theory of molecular biology techniques
Restriction enzymes and their uses. Polymerase chain reaction. Cloning. Southern blotting. Overview of DNA sequencing.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports on the practical sessions
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Molecular biology theory
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
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 Priniplces of molecular biology Every Week 2.50 2.5
Lab Contact Molecular Biology practicals Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed learning Every Week 2.50 2.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Divan A, Royds J.. (2016), Molecular Biology: Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions), First. OUP Oxford, [ISBN: 9780198723882].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert F. Weaver. (2011), Molecular Biology, Fifth. Mc Graw Hill, [ISBN: 9780071275484].
  • Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. (2014), Molecular Biology of the Cell, Sixth. Garland, [ISBN: 9780815344643].
  • Philip Turner, Alexander MacLennan, Andrew Bates, Michael White. (2012), Instant Notes in Molecular Biology, Fourth. Bios Scientific Publishers Ltd., [ISBN: 9780415684163].
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 3 Mandatory