BCH 3031: Advanced Molecular Biology: Modern concepts and applications
This unit is focussed on advanced aspects of DNA as the genetic component of organisms and cells and will emphasize the following topics:
- Genome structure
- Functional genomics
- Recombinant DNA technology and human disease
- Technologies for treatment of disease
This unit is specially designed for students in the third year of the Bachelor of Science degree. It follows directly from the Molecular Biology units MOL2011 and MOL2022 in second year and has an emphasis on content that specifically complements third year Biochemistry (BCH) units BCH3021, BCH3042 and BCH3052
BCH3031 is also suitable as an elective unit for students in the third year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.
Lecturing Staff
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Prof Rod Devenish
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A/Prof Tim Cole
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Dr Jackie Wilce
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Prof David Jans
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Dr David Piedrafita
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Dr Ian Smyth
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Organisation of the unit
BCH3031 consists of 2 lectures per week and one 3 hour practical session per week and 1 tutorial per week. Two tutorial sessions have been scheduled per week and attendance and active participation in discussion by students at one of these sessions is highly recommended.
Practical/Small Group Teaching work:
Students will be assessed on the basis of:
their comprehension, diligence and general laboratory performance
their comprehension and participation in the discussion groups held in conjunction with the practical exercises
results sheets which are to be completed and handed in according to the instructions from your demonstrator
Satisfactory performance in the Prac/SGT of BCH3031 is required to achieve a pass in BCH3031 in addition to satisfactory performance in the examinations.
Topics covered
Genome Structure
Organisation of eukaryote genomes. Packaging of DNA in chromosomes and chromatin. Understanding the essential elements of chromosomes.
Timing and pattern of eukaryotic replication in relation to chromosome structure and packaging. The linear end problem – telomere replication.
Functional rearrangements in DNA (e.g. trypanosome surface antigens and antibody genes)
Whole genome mapping: concepts/sequencing, techniques and applications. Non-coding sequences/repeat sequences/single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Functional Genomics
DNA-binding motifs in gene regulatory proteins. The function of genetic switches in regulating gene expression
The influence of chromatin structure and gene location on gene expression. Targeted and ordered recruitment of chromatin modifying activities. Novel mechanisms of transcriptional activation.
The transcriptosome – profiling gene expression at the mRNA level. Application of serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and DNA microchip arrays to the comparison of expressed genes in normal, developmental and disease states.
Gene control and micro RNAs.
A view of genome function obtained by profiling gene expression at the protein level (the proteome). Global changes in protein expression and the systematic study of protein interactions in cell physiology
Studying gene and protein function: mutants, identification of functional homologues from other species, two hybrid analysis and gene knockouts.
Large scale approaches to understanding gene function.
Using animal models to explore disease and therapies.
Recombinant DNA Technology and Human Disease
Gene mutation and human disease
Identification and analysis of human disease genes
Molecular diagnosis and screening for human genetic disease: current strategies for screening populations for gene mutations.
Identifying gene mutations that alter resistance and susceptibility to infectious diseases
Technologies for Treatment of Disese and Infection
Beyond the Human Genome Project -Large scale studies for identification of disease susceptibility markers. Applications in population studies (disease susceptibility) and pharmacogenetics (differences in drug responses between individuals).
Using genomic information in drug development. Targeting the protein through rational drug design, antibody development or library screening.
The powerful technology of antisense and RNAi for gene regulation and its potential in gene therapy.
Delivery of peptides and proteins to cells and tissues.
Advances in gene therapy. Prospects for use of human stem cells/tissue engineering/growing new organs.
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