| Module Title: | Molecular Biology and Immunology 1 |
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| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
The module will be taught as two theory classes of one hour duration per week and one three hour practical per week for 8 weeks.
Class notes and self assessment tools will be provided via the Institute student common drive. Students will normally be required to carryout assignments and give presentations in order to consolidate material in lectures and practicals.
Group and peer learning will be facilitated during theory and practical classes and during the preparation of assignments. Classes will be aided with the use of online resources and the Blackboard will be used where necessary.
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| Module Aim: |
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of molecular biology, bioinformatics, medical microbiology and immunology. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to: |
| LO1 |
Explain and illustrate the molecular processes of DNA replication and information flow and relate these to biotechnological processes. |
| LO2 |
Discuss the role of biotechnology in medicine, industry and the environment including limitations, hazards and risks. |
| LO3 |
Outline and carry out the main molecular methods used in DNA technology. Apply practical skills in the molecular biology and medical microbiology laboratory with respect to CGLP, health and safety, problem solving, team work, efficient record keeping and timely submission of reports |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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| 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
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| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
| No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
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1. Molecular Biology:
Regulation of enzyme activity: product inhibition, feedback inhibition, covalent modification. Regulation of enzyme synthesis: DNA Binding Proteins. Regulation of Transcription: induction and repression, negative and positive control, attenuation. Global control: catabolite repression. Signal Transduction and Two-Component Regulatory Systems.
Horizontal gene transfer and its clinical and environmental implications. DNA replication. The genetic code RNA transcription, editing and translation. Basic introduction to bioinformatics. Introduction to basic recombinant DNA technology methods: restriction enzyme technology, cloning, expression systems, PCR, DNA sequencing. Overview of GMOs: categorization, risks and containment.
Examples and case studies of applications of molecular biology in biotechnology: enzymes, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, environmental biotechnology.
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Practical
Practical classes will develop skills including:
The manipulation and handling of recombinant organisms and molecules with emphasis to CGLP and health and safety, monitoring, recording and analysing experimental data in molecular biology, operating the range of instrumentation specified safely and effectively in the laboratory, effective group work and good written and oral communication skills, safety in the molecular biology lab, specific hazards and risks, waste disposal of EtBr, UV visualisation, DNA isolation, DNA quantification and visualisation, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion of DNA and cloning, transformation of cells with recombinant DNA molecules, DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction, demonstration of the effects of heat and pH on DNA, detection of endotoxins, the LAL test, production of pyrogen-free water, basic serological techniques, agglutination reactions, ELISA testing. The application of bioinformatics to discover variability in sequences and trace the effects of molecular evolution in related genes and proteins.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Continuous Assessment | 40.00% |
| Practical | 60.00% |
| Special Regulation |
| Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the practical and CA. |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Other |
n/a |
1,2 |
40.00 |
n/a |
| Practical |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Practical/Skills Evaluation |
Performance in Lab class/practicals and practical reports or assignments |
3 |
60.00 |
n/a |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
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 |
12 Weeks per Stage |
6.42 |
| Total Hours |
125.00 |
Module Delivered In
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