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LSC-20003 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

LSC-20003 - Gene and Protein Engineering
Coordinator: Roberto Galizi Tel: +44 1782 7 32745
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

In this module you will learn how we can manipulate genetic material (i.e. DNA) and how that continues to transform our understanding of Biology, Biomedical Science and Biotechnology. These techniques will be introduced via interactive seminars that range from basic (e.g. DNA hybridisation, PCR and molecular cloning) to more complex (e.g. CRISPR gene editing) methods. You will see how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes, design and engineer modified or novel DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as new drugs and vaccines.
This module builds on some of your laboratory sessions (delivered as part of LSC 20107 Practical Skills in Bioscience) where you will gain hands-on experience in genetic manipulation.
Tutorials and workshops will also give you a valuable insight into a range of essential considerations when working in gene and protein engineering such as bioinformatics and ethics.
Ultimately, this module will provide you with essential knowledge of gene and protein engineering techniques and an insight into the key role that they play in modern molecular biology or biomedical laboratories. Your knowledge and skills will be assessed through the completion of a lab-based proforma and online, open book examination.

Aims
The manipulation of the genetic material, DNA, using techniques developed in the past 30-40 years, has transformed virtually the whole range of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. These techniques now allow us to study the structure and function of single genes, to design and produce modified and novel DNA molecules, and subsequently to produce novel gene products, i.e. proteins. This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge of the molecular tools used for this purpose and to build on this to describe some of the ways in which these tools are used in Biochemistry, in other Biomedical Sciences, and in Biotechnology. The module includes practical manipulation of DNA and the use of techniques such as DNA cloning and polymerase chain reaction which play key roles in modern molecular biology.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-20003/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the principles and significance of nucleic acid hybridisation and apply them to the analysis and manipulation of DNA and RNA in vitro
: 2
Explain the principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular cloning and DNA sequencing, and apply them to the analysis and manipulation of DNA
: 2
Describe the strategies and techniques used in cloning genomic DNA and cDNA, and apply them to the expression of recombinant proteins for the analysis of gene function and other applications of modern biotechnology
: 1
Recognise and discuss key ethical issues related to the use of DNA manipulation and the information derived from it: 1
Describe the principles and current technologies associated with human genetic sequencing, and apply this knowledge to areas of genomics, proteomics and the implications for Genetically Modified Organisms: 1

Study hours

16 Scheduled Learning/Teaching Hours:
1 hr x 1 introduction to module
1 hr x 5 guidance and Q&A on assessment and lecture content
2 hr x 5 workshops/flipped lectures
134 Independent Study Hours:
20 hr short (10-30 minutes) pre-recorded presentations
32 hr private study to support asynchronous activity including preparations for workshops, directed reading and additional resources
12 hr reflection from labs delivered as part of the LSC-20107 Practical Skills in Bioscience module
35 hr revision for ICA
35 hr revision for final exam

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Open Book Examination weighted 75%
Online open-book exam
The paper will be released on KLE as a Word document at 9am on the morning of the exam. Section A will ask you to assess an experimental plan through a series of short answer questions. You should pay careful attention to the number of points that each question is worth. In general, we would expect only one or two sentences for each point available. Section B will present you with 3 essay-based questions. You need to choose 1 to answer. Typical answers would be in the range of 500-750 words per question. We recommend that you do not exceed 750 words as we will be assessing the quality of your answer, not the quantity. You should answer all questions using Word, clearly labelling each question. Work should be submitted to Turnitin no later than 5pm on the day of release. International students should notify the School if they need an extension due to different time zones. Although you have been given significant time to complete this exam script, we expect most students to spend no more 2 hours. Answers should be as accurate and concise as possible.

2: Assignment weighted 25%
In-course summative assessment (Structured Proforma)
Structured Proforma consisting of short answer questions submitted via Turnitin. Typical word count = 500-750. The students will have approximately 5 weeks to work towards a mix of short answer questions and exercises (recommended 500-750 words overall) assessing knowledge and skills related to the first part of the module (specifically ILOs 1 and 2). The scheduled lab sessions delivered as part of the LSC 20107 Practical Skills in Bioscience module will supplement the content delivered as part of this module and relevant to the in-course assessment. Dedicated schedule sessions will be delivered to provide guidance and opportunity for Q&A and revisions before and after the ICA.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022