Module Title: | Molecular Biology 2 |
Language of Instruction: | English |
Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
This module will be delivered via two 1 hour lectures and a 2 hours practical mode. Students may be required to access the material via the VLE Blackboard as applicable in advance of the class and practicals to encourage active learning.
To consolidate lectures and practicals, students will normally be required to carryout assignments, give presentations and take formative quizzes. Group and peer learning will be facilitated during the preparation of assignments, presentations and practicals.
Online demonstrations may be used to illustrate key concepts of the course and will be available through out the year. Digital Resources such as Youtube, Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) and the National Digital Learning Repository (NDLR) will be used as practicable.
The practical component is essential:
• To allow students to develop the required technical competencies, attitudes and behaviours in a molecular biology laboratory.
• To develop problem solving abilities and group skills.
• To promote deep learning via investigation of a problem, application of prior knowledge and analysis of results thus generating new knowledge.
• To promote timely submission of reports written in the standard format. |
Module Aim: |
To introduce students to the fundamentals of the theory and practical aspects of Molecular Biology. |
Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to: |
LO1 |
An introduction to extrachromosomal DNA elements such as plasmids, phage, transposons and insertion sequences. DNA cloning, restriction enzymes, expression systems, sequencing methods. PCR, DNA fingerprinting. Introduction to bioinformatics, molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic trees. |
LO2 |
Discuss differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetic organisation and expression.
Describe and give an overview of genetically modified microorganisms: hazards, risk and perceptions, containment systems. Examples of molecular biology in biotechnology, biopharma, forensics. |
LO3 |
At the end of Semester 2 practical component the student is expected to:
Demonstrate a range of molecular biology techniques, safely and efficiently.
Be able to monitor, record and analyse experimental data.
Demonstrate effective group work and good communication skills. |
Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
|
No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
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. |
Successful completion of year 1 or equivalent. |
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content |
Informational Macromolecules
An introduction to organisation and cell structure in prokaryotic and eucaryotic organisms. Structural components of informational macromolecules: purines and pyrimidines; nucleosides and nucleotides; basic nucleic acid structure. Occurrence and functions of nucleic acids; primary structure of nucleic acids. Secondary structure: the Double Helix. Double-stranded RNA. Tertiary structure of DNA –the Superhelix. DNA organisation in prokaryotic and eucaryotic organisms. Physical properties of DNA with particular emphasis on thermal denaturation. Renaturation and hybridisations of DNA. Restriction and modification. A brief introduction to nucleic acid sequencing
|
Transfer of Genetic Information
An introduction to the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, biological information flow: replication. transcription and translation. DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
RNA transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Structure and function of RNA: mRNA, tRNA and their role in protein synthesis. The Genetic Code, codons, anticodons.
Translation: the fundamental principles of protein synthesis. Posttranslational modification.
|
Practical
At the end of the practical component the student is expected to be:
Competent in the manipulation and handling and disposal of recombinant organisms and molecules with due respect to cGLP and health and safety, monitor, record and analyse experimental data in molecular biology, operate the range of instrumentation specified safely and effectively in the laboratory and work effectively in a group and demonstrate good written and oral communication skills
|
Assessment Breakdown | % |
Continuous Assessment | 20.00% |
Practical | 30.00% |
End of Module Formal Examination | 50.00% |
Special Regulation |
Learners must achieve a minimum of 35% in CA/Practical and Final Examination |
Continuous Assessment |
Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
Other |
Continuous assessment will take the form, of in class tests, specific assignments and presentations |
1,2 |
20.00 |
n/a |
Practical |
Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Practical skills and competencies will be assessed via a correctly kept laboratory notebook (which will be submitted on time), observation of skills and a practical exam. |
3 |
30.00 |
n/a |
End of Module Formal Examination |
Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
Formal Exam |
No Description |
1,2 |
50.00 |
End-of-Semester |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time |
Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
Laboratory |
12 Weeks per Stage |
2.00 |
Estimated Learner Hours |
15 Weeks per Stage |
5.13 |
Total Hours |
125.00 |
Module Delivered In
|