Module overview
This module focuses on nucleic acid and protein biogenesis with particular emphasis on the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins and key regulatory steps. Material relating to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms will be covered.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: BIOL1024 OR BIOL1027
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify processes that lead to DNA damage and the mechanisms and enzymes involved in DNA repair
- Describe the process of information transfer from mRNA to protein including the roles for ribosomal proteins and translation factors
- Provide evidence of understanding of the processes of initiation and termination of DNA replication and ascribe functions to enzymes/proteins at the replication fork
- Consolidate material covered in lectures, by using advanced laboratory techniques used in research.
- Identify the problems for the replication of DNA created by its structure
- Explain the processes by which excess or damaged proteins are cleared from the cell
- Use presentational skills associated with giving a short oral presentation on a specific topic
- Explain how information is transferred from DNA to RNA and explain how it is regulated in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms
- Demonstrate essay-writing skills
- Describe the post-transcriptional modifications (processes of mechanisms) associated of protein coding RNA in eukaryotes
Syllabus
This module covers the flow of genetic information considering genome replication, the biosyntheses of RNA and proteins. Where appropriate the regulatory mechanisms controlling key stages will be studied.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be by 20 lectures, with revision support provided as drop-in sessions.
Two compulsory practicals will provide students with an understanding of key techniques that help us understand how proteins are made and degraded, and also common approaches to expressing genes of interest. The write ups from these practicals will be assessed formatively, with further summative assessment under examination conditions.
Students will also attend two tutorials. In the first, students will have beforehand answered an essay question under exam conditions. The tutorial will then discuss an optimal answer. In the second, each student will present a single slide "flash" presentation on an aspect of eukaryotic gene expression.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 10 |
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice question | 25% |
| Written assessment | 50% |
| Lab Report | 12.5% |
| Lab Report | 12.5% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| A lab report | 12.5% |
| A lab report | 12.5% |
| Written assessment | 50% |
| Multiple choice question | 25% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External