Module manager: Eszter Csibra
Email: e.csibra@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Successful completion of Year One (level 4) of the appropriate programme of study.
BLGY2132, and elements of BIOL2301 BIOL2303, BIOC2302, BIOC2303, MICR2320
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module you will undertake a series of practical exercises that are designed to introduce you to some of the key techniques of molecular biology, including genetic cloning and the basic principles of protein production. These exercises are all linked together in the form of a continuous research project delivered in a manner that reflects working in a research environment. Through these practical classes and supporting workshops, you will learn about the full lifecycle of research project management – including the planning and execution of work, and the analysis, interpretation and troubleshooting of results. This culminates in a written report to communicate your findings.
The objective of this module is to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills underpinning the design, execution, interpretation and troubleshooting of experiments relating to molecular cloning and protein expression
The learning activities are designed to meet these aims by providing practical training in experimental techniques which underpin this area, such as PCR, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, and the handling of recombinant DNA constructs. This will be supported by workshops where students will learn how to use software to interrogate DNA sequences, and protein structures, design oligonucleotide primers for various applications (PCR, mutagenesis and sequencing), and how to analyse and present experimental data.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Understand and explain the characteristics and applications of reporter proteins and other protein tags
2. Plan, Execute and troubleshoot a practical strategy for gene cloning, mutagenesis, protein expression and protein purification
3. Record, interpret and analyse a variety of experimental data
4. Use appropriate software tools for experimental design and analysis
5. Communicate and evaluate research outcomes in a written report, with reference to the scientific literature
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Practical | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Practical | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 134 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 66 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
For workshops, short tasks will be set in each class, to check for understanding and progress. For laboratory practicals, worksheets will contain questions that students will work through and discuss in groups and with demonstrators.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Extended lab report on practical work | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 04/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team