BS221-5-SP-CO:
Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Inactive
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
06 October 2020
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BS312, BS320
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 |
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 Philip Reeves, email: preeves@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Phil Reeves, Dr Amanda Cavanagh, Dr Stathis Giotis, Dr Babis Rallis
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
No
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 461 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
461 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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