Module BIOL2181: EXPERIMENTAL CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2181: EXPERIMENTAL CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology (BIOL1072).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide training and experience in experimental techniques representative of modern practical approaches in cellular and molecular biology.

Content

• Microscopy Techniques - Light microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal and fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation.
• Cell Culture - Cell culture methodology, harvesting cells, cell separation, analysis of cells by a variety of analytical techniques.
• DNA Analysis - DNA extraction and purification, spectrophotometric estimation, restriction analysis, restriction mapping and data handling.
• Cloning - cloning vectors, DNA restriction and ligation, transformation, library screening, analysis of selected clones.
• Gene expression - techniques for measuring gene expression, enzyme induction and analysis.
• Experimental Design and Statistics - A series of lectures and workshops to teach good experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Protein Analysis and Enzymes - Protein extraction, protein fractionation and purification, column chromatography techniques, electrophoretic analysis, immunochemical analyses.
• Enzyme Properties - enzyme extraction, enzyme assays, properties, enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibition, data handling.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module each student should be able to: Understand the bases and experimental procedures used in a wide range of techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology.

• Demonstrate a range of practical skills in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology.

• Interpret and execute detailed practical instructions.
• Be able to acquire, record, interpret and critically analyse experimental data.
• Be able to present the results and conclusions effectively.
• Appreciate the approaches used to devise experimental strategies.
• Appreciate safe working practices.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching and learning in this module is primarily through prescribed practicals with supplementary knowledge provided by associated lectures, workshops and surgery sessions.
• Skills will be acquired in the execution of the experiments, in the preparation of practical reports and through the acquisition, manipulation and presentation of data.
• Knowledge and understanding of the theory, practical skills, data handling and interpretation will be summatively assessed through the evaluation of prepared reports for each set of practicals.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will be based on exercises using statistics.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University