Molecular Tools for Marine Biology Research

Learning Outcomes

Molecular biological methods have revolutionised life science research over the last decades. As basic functions are ubiquitous in living cells, molecular biological methods offer unprecedented potential to answer questions in the marine realm, ranging from the function of single enzymes to global-scale implications of material cycles. Knowledge about the molecular physiology of cells is not only important for an integral interpretation of the physiology of marine organisms, but is also the prerequisite to understand the molecular biological methods taught in the lectures and practicals in the later stage of the unit. In this part, the students will become familiar with an array of widely used research methods that allow the analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. The methods will be explained as part of marine biological case studies that provide examples for their applications and highlight the importance of molecular biological experimentation. The practical and theoretical sessions include the extraction and purification of nucleic acids and proteins from marine organisms and their analysis including chromatographic and spectroscopic methods and test of their function. In addition, the students will gather practical experience in the use of computers for molecular biological analysis and data base exploration.

Formal Lectures: Lectures will provide the fundamental theory and principles of the module. Each lecture systematically covers the main concepts and topics by the use of PowerPoint presentations which are supported by illustrated handout materials and Blackboard and Panopto. Where relevant, lecturer's own research experience is brought into the lecture sessions. References to relevant journal articles are provided as essential reading for lectures. Interactive Learning Sessions: The lectures providing theoretical background are paired back-to-back with in-class practicals (interactive learning sessions) during which the students work alone or in groups to deepen their learning by putting the theoretical concepts into practise through data analysis, date base work, solving research tasks using online bioinformatic tools, and the analysis of research papers. Laboratory Practicals: Each student is required to attend experimental classes to acquire appropriate skills in molecular biology, specifically the biochemistry of nucleic acids (students will work alone or in small groups). Each practical is supported by, and integrated with, formal lectures together with an introductory talk, reflecting the lecturer's research expertise. The practical sequence is supported by theoretical lectures on the scientific background, techniques and health & safety aspects of the experiments. Support: Lectures are Panopto-recorded if technically possible. Synopses of lectures and practicals are posted on Blackboard. In laboratory practicals, support is provided by staff and postgraduate demonstrators. A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.