BIOL07007 2013 Biomolecular Technologies
This teaching unit will introduce students to the principles underpinning molecular biology and to some practical components of common biomolecular methodologies which apply to environmental and archaeological sciences.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explaining the basic principles underpinning biomolecular analyses
Describing the principles of common molecular techniques
Demonstrating knowledge of specific environmental or archaeological molecular biology based case studies
Performing and reporting on molecular biology laboratory experiments
Module Assessment Strategies
The module will be assessed using a combination of end of semester final exam (40%), continuous class assessment and reporting of laboratory-based work (60%). The continuous class assessment will involve two-three theory assessments incorporating a series of short questions. Practical work will be assessed via written scientific reports.
Indicative Syllabus
- Principles & concepts (biomolecules, DNA replication, transcription, translation, genetic polymorphism)
- Molecular methodologies (PCR, electrophoresis, cloning, antibody-based assays, qPCR, microarrays)
- Monitoring and research applications (genetic fingerprinting, transcriptomics and proteomics, phylogenetics)
- Case study selection (profiling soil and aquatic microbes, detecting GMOs in the environment, chromosome Y typing, mitochondrial haplotypes)
- Laboratory practicals (a selection of common molecular biology techniques will be demonstrated and practiced)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Any | 1,2,3 |
2 | Practical Evaluation | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 40 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 40 % | End of Term | 1,2,3 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Theory Lectures | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Laboratory Practical | Science Laboratory | Laboratory Work | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self-Studying | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Module Resources
- Liu WT & Jansson JK (2010) "Environmental Molecular Microbiology"
- Brown T (2006) "Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction"
- Brown T & Brown K (2011) "Biomolecular Archaeology"
Selection of ScienceDirect research articles and reviews
None