Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module BISS2291: Molecular Genetics

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

BISS2291: Molecular Genetics

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to B940

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Demonstrate a theoretical and practical understanding of recombinant DNA techniques and their applications in medicine and biomedical sciences.
  • Analyse experimental results and information accessed from the DNA databases.
  • Show a detailed understanding of the molecular basis of several genetic diseases.
  • Access genetic information from the DNA and other related databases.

Content

  • Recombinant DNA technology.
  • DNA cloning.
  • Sequencing and gene expression analysis.
  • Genetic mapping.
  • Chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Molecular basis of human genetic disease.
  • Further Bioinformatics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • This module builds on the molecular biology learnt in level 1 by examining how the “in vivo” genetic processes can by replicated “in vitro” and how DNA/RNA can be manipulated. The application of molecular techniques will be discussed using different examples. Several of the molecular techniques will be performed in practicals.
  • Access and interpret molecular data from the DNA databases.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Understanding of key molecular techniques and their applications.
  • Detailed understanding of mutations and genetic disease.
  • Further development of bioinformatics
Key Skills:
  • Development of molecular biology practical skills.
  • Interpretation of molecular data using different case studies and examples.

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

  • Lectures, Workshops, Lab work, Group work, Unseen exam, Data handling and Essays.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 15 Weekly 1-3 hours 41
Practicals 2 Termly 3 hours 6 ■
Workshops/CAL 2 2-3 hours 5 ■
Tutorial 1 1 hour 1 ■
Preparation & reading 147
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen formal examination 2.5 hours 100%
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Practical Report 33.34%
Case Study 33.33%
Poster Workshop 33.33%

Formative Assessment:

Bioinformatics assessment Case studies Revision tests

■ 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