Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BISS3152: MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE (MOLECULAR MEDICINE)

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS3152: MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE (MOLECULAR MEDICINE)

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop the students' understanding of molecular biology and its role in disease discovery, diagnosis and treatment.

Content

  • Recombinant DNA - restriction and modification enzymes.
  • Cloning vectors.
  • cDNA and genomic libraries.
  • Expression and detection of cloned sequences.
  • Restriction mapping.
  • Cloning in eukaryotic cells and expression of reecombinant proteins.
  • PCR technology and diagnostics.
  • Gene therapy.
  • Ethical and safety issues.
  • Molecular basis of inherited human disorders.
  • The Human Genome Project.
  • Stem cell biology and application to human disease.
  • Cell and molecular basis of neoplasia.
  • Cell and molecular biology of epithelia.
  • Genetic disease and embryogenesis.
  • X-linked inherited disease.
  • Biological basis of neurological disease.
  • Metabolism and the metabolic basis of disease.
  • Physiological basis of systemic dysfunction.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of this module, students should should be able to: demonstrate an ability to bring together information from different disciplines and discuss the basis of disease as an integrated whole
  • manipulate and characterise cloned DNA
  • describe clinical uses of molecular biology
  • describe the molecular basis of selected inherited disorders;
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

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

      • Lectures provide a framework for knowledge and understanding of topics in the cell and molecular biology of disease.
      • Laboratory Sessions reinforce the subject-specific knowledge covered in lectures and provide practical example of the strength and limitations of techniques in molecular biology.
      • Essays assess key communication skills but also are used to examine a students understanding of the scientific process.
      • Unseen examination reviews the students learning of the subject specific knowledge covered in this module.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 88 1 hour 88
      Laboratory sessions 4 3 hour 12
      Preparation and Reading 300
      Total 400

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 90%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      1 x 2 hour examination 2 hours 38%
      1 x 3 hour examination 3 hours 62%
      Component: Continuous assessment Component Weighting: 10%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      1 x essay 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Practical reports help inform subject specific knowledge and support key skill development of data acquisition and analysis.


      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