BS221-5-AU-CO:
Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease
2016/17
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
15
25 February 2014
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BS312, BS320
BSC C700 Biochemistry,
BSC C701 Biochemistry (Including Placement Year),
BSC C703 Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad),
BSC B990 Biomedical Science,
BSC B991 Applied Biomedical Science (NHS placement),
BSC B995 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC B999 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC C400 Genetics,
BSC C402 Genetics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C403 Genetics (Including Placement Year)
Molecular biology is central to nearly all aspects of our knowledge of how biology "works" at a molecular level. This module explores the breadth of processes involved in the expression of eukaryote genes, including the techniques of molecular biology with an emphasis on genetic engineering and the production of therapeutic proteins. The process of gene expression begins with the regulatory proteins that combine to assemble the transcriptional machinery at the promoter of a gene, followed by the processing and turnover of RNA transcripts. We move on to address the processes of protein synthesis, protein folding and the post-transcriptional modification of proteins. The mechanisms of protein targeting and import to cellular compartments or export from the cell will be explained. Finally we will look at the targeted destruction of proteins. Throughout the module there will be an emphasis on the impact of disease on these processes and opportunity for treatment presented by applying an understanding of the molecular biology.
Learning Outcomes (Including lectures and practicals)
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. describe the structural organisation of the gene and associated regulatory sequences;
2. explain the process of transcription and the regulation of gene expression;
3. understand a range of molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, mutagenesis and protein expression;
4. describe how proteins are synthesized, targeted and degraded in cells;
5. demonstrate competence in a) the analysis and interpretation of data, b) written communication c) practical DNA manipulation techniques.
No information available.
No information available.
1. Practical class: Restriction digest and agarose gel. Solve a restriction map to identify a gene.
2. Practical class: Purify and analyse a fluorescent (GFP-tagged) protein.
18 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 revision class before summer exam; 2 x 3 hour practicals
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Prac 1 (Group 1) - 21st Oct Prac Session |
|
|
| Coursework |
Prac 2 (Group 1) - 21st Nov Prac Session |
|
|
| Exam |
Main exam: 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Additional coursework information
Summer Exam: wks 33-36
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Matt Jones
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Dr Clive Butler
The University of Exeter
Associate Professor of Microbial Biochemistry
Available via Moodle
Of 30 hours, 18 (60%) hours available to students:
12 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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