|
|
|
MOL 2022: Molecular biology: gene technology and its application
Topics include recombinant DNA technology; use of bioinformatic tools to handle biological data generated by DNA and protein sequencing; genetic technology and its application in biotechnology.
When taken with MOL2011, these two units, taught over two semesters by a collaboration of the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences and Microbiology, will introduce underlying concepts of molecular biology, a crucial biomedical discipline. Completion of these two units will provide students with:
- understanding of the molecular nature of nucleic acids and the mechanism by which they specify proteins;
- understanding of the molecular basis of mutation and its implications for genetic variation, the contribution and impact of the nuclear genome of viruses, mobile genetic elements and extra-nuclear genetic information;
- understanding of the diversity of mechanisms for control of gene expression and regulation;
- understanding of basic recombinant DNA techniques and their application;
- understanding of the procedures for genetic manipulation;
- knowledge of the structure of scientific literature in the field of molecular biology, and the ability to obtain information from that literature;
- skills in using computer software to retrieve and manipulate information from databases;
- appreciation of the contributions that research in molecular biology make to modern society;
- ability to comprehend and apply modern molecular biotechnology;
- problem-solving skills and, in particular, proficiency in the evaluation of molecular biological data;
- ability to develop fluency in communication skills related to molecular biology, both verbal and written.
Main themes of the units are:
- Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids and the Mechanism by which they Specify Proteins;
- Mutations as the Basis of Genetic Variation;
- Viruses, Mobile Genetic Elements and Extra-nuclear Organelle Genomes;
- Recombinant DNA Technology;
- Genome Bioinformatics, Genomics;
- Genetic Manipulation in Biotechnology
MOL2022 consists of 3 lectures per week and one 3 hour practical session per week.
The student composition of practical classes will be made by ALLOCATE+ and finalised by the FIRST WEEK of semester. Students are to proceed to the teaching lab G27 in Bldg 53 (Microbiology) the first Monday or Friday of semester. Allocation of prac class will depend on timetable clashes with other classes. Please finalise the day allocated to you for your practical classes during the first week of semester. Students will be divided up into groups per prac class, each containing 10-12 students.
|
|
|
