BS221-5-AU-CO:
Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
08 March 2024
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 CR00 Biochemistry (Including Foundation Year),
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 BD00 Biomedical Science (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIB099 Biomedical Science,
MSCIBA99 Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB99 Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C400 Genetics,
BSC C402 Genetics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C403 Genetics (Including Placement Year),
BSC CK00 Genetics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C110 Biotechnology,
BSC C111 Biotechnology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C112 Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C113 Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C200 Human Biology,
BSC C201 Human Biology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C202 Human Biology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C220 Human Biology (Including Foundation Year),
MSCIC098 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
MSCIC099 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
MSCICZ99 Biochemistry and Biotechnology
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 latest techniques used in 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. 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.
This module aims to explore the breadth of processes involved in the expression of eukaryote genes, including the latest techniques used in molecular biology with an emphasis on genetic engineering and the production of therapeutic proteins
On successful completion of the module, students should 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. describe how proteins are synthesized, targeted and degraded in cells
4. understand a range of molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, mutagenesis and protein expression
5. demonstrate competence in a) the analysis and interpretation of data, b) written communication c) practical DNA manipulation techniques.
1. Practical class I: Introduction to BioBricks (PC lab). Design, digest, and ligate DNA in silico to visualise synthetic biology (SynBio) cloning methods. Design a novel biosensor using BioBricks.
2. Practical class II: Restriction digest, ligation, and transformation to create clones of multicoloured bacteria.
3. Practical class III: Purify and analyse a fluorescent (GFP-tagged) protein.
15 x 1 hour lectures; 2 x 2 hour PC practical; 2 x 3 hour practical
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Molecular Mechanisms |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Prac 1: SynBio |
|
20% |
| Coursework |
Gene Expression |
|
15% |
| Coursework |
Post-Transc Regulation |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Prac 3: GFP Protein |
|
25% |
| Coursework |
Prac 2: Biosensor Worksheet |
|
30% |
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 Joaquin De Navascues, email: j.denavascues@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Andrew Simkin
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Dr Thomas Clarke
University of East Anglia
Senior lecturer/associate professor
Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Institute Technology Sligo
Vice President
Available via Moodle
Of 76 hours, 37 (48.7%) hours available to students:
39 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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