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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

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 an interactive blend of teaching approaches to deliver contents covering a range of basic methods (e.g. DNA hybridisation, PCR and molecular cloning) and more complex techniques (e.g. CRISPR gene editing) used in genetic engineering. 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 performing PCRs and other techniques involved in molecular cloning.
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 computational design, 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 coursework and a open book assessment.

The manipulation of genetic material (primarily DNA) has transformed virtually the whole range of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Genetic editing 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 such as new proteins. These can find use in therapeutics, diagnostics, agriculture, food and energy production, and many other applications. This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge of the core concepts and 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, 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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the principles and significance of nucleic acid replication and hybridisation, and apply them to the analysis and manipulation of DNA and RNA in vitro: 1
Explain the principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular cloning and DNA sequencing, and apply them to the analysis and manipulation of DNA: 1
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: 1,2
Recognise and discuss key ethical issues related to the use of DNA manipulation and their implications for the development of Genetically Modified Organisms: 2
Describe the principles and current technologies for genome sequencing and genome editing and apply this knowledge to the main areas of biotechnology: 2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours (58 hours)
1 hr x 1 Introduction to module
1 hr x 4 Guidance on assessments and workshops
2 hr x 1 Drop-in Session (Week 7)
1 hr x 1 Drop-in Session (Week 12)
2 hr x 4 Workshops
2 hr x 1 Interactive lecture
10 x 4 hour engagement/note taking from short (10-30 minutes) pre-recorded lectures or other pre-recorded activities/materials
Independent Study Hours (92 hours)
12 hr for reflection from laboratory work delivered as part of the LSC-20107 Practical Skills in Bioscience module
40 hr for revision for coursework assessment
40 hr for revision for final open book assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment