Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)
Module BISS1241: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]
BISS1241: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
| Type | Tied | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2008/09 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Queen's Campus Stockton |
|---|
| Tied to | Biomedical Sciences (B940) |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To introduce students to the principles of genetics and molecular biology.
- To introduce students to human genetic disease.
- To introduce students to the basic experimental and safety procedures relevant to molecular biology.
- To introduce students to bioinformatics.
- To develop laboratory skills in molecular biology.
Content
- Genome organisation and chromosomal structure.
- Mendelian genetics.
- Principal of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
- Principles of cell cycle and cell division.
- Introduction to bioinformatics and it's use in information retrieval.
- Introduction to molecular biology methods, data interpretation and safety procedures.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- An introductory level knowledge of DNA/RNA and chromosome structure, basic genetics and bioinformatics.
- Good knowledge of basic experimental and safety procedures relevant to genetics and molecular biology.
- The ability to handle and interpret simple experimental data.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Understanding of the genetic makeup of eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
- Interpret genetic and molecular data.
Key Skills:
- Development of practical skills.
- Interpretation of molecular and genetic data.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures provide a solid foundation for knowledge and understanding, both practical and theoretical, and form a framework for students’ self-directed learning.
- Workshops serve to encourage communication skills, team work and opportunities to extend subject specific knowledge.
- Laboratory sessions are used to reinforce the subject knowledge identified in other teaching and learning modes, but also serve to enhance subject specific skills.
- MCQs serve to examine theoretical knowledge.
- Unseen examinations are a test of the range depth and sophistication of the students knowledge and understanding of the material in a module. They also test key skills in ability to present arguments and communicate them effectively in a concise written form.
- Data Handling provides an opportunity for the student to display an ability in bringing together of information and critical assessment of data, often in a clinical context.
- Tutorials are used to enhance the acquisition of key skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 16 | Weekly | 1-3 hours | 40 | |
| Practicals | 5 | Termly | 3 hours | 15 | ■ |
| Workshops/CAL | 2 | 2 hours | 4 | ■ | |
| Tutorials | 2 | 1 hour | 2 | ■ | |
| Preparation & Reading | 139 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Unseen formal examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Data handling | 33.34% | ||
| Practical report | 33.33% | ||
| Practical report | 33.33% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Bioinformatics assessment. MCQ test.
■ 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