Module manager: Dr Ryan Seipke
Email: R.Seipke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will build on students’ knowledge and understanding of gene structure, expression and regulation. In the first part of the module, the focus of study will be individual genes, the tools and techniques used to clone, mutate, sequence and express genes, and how gene expression in cells can be studied. Students will apply this knowledge to experimental problem solving during in-course exercise sessions.
On completion of this module, students will have developed an understanding of the principal tools for genetic engineering and will understand how genes are cloned, studied, modified and expressed, and how gene expression is studied. They will also be capable of applying this knowledge to experimental problem solving.
Students will engage with the major concepts and principles of gene cloning and manipulation, recombinant protein production and approaches for investigating gene expression and protein production in organisms. In particular they will be able to:
- review and understand the architecture of genes and processes of transcription and translation and the differences in these regards between prokaryotes and eukaryotes;
- describe ways in which genes can be cloned, their DNA sequences determined and how they can be mutated, engineered and used for the production of recombinant proteins;
- describe the methods used to measure gene expression and its regulation, including quantitative PCR, RNAi tools and the use of reporter genes; (added text)
- become familiar with the terminology associated with molecular biology and be able to apply it appropriately;
- become familiar with some of the current developments in the field of genetic engineering and their applications;
- determine the most appropriate approaches to experimental design and solve experimental problems.
There will be opportunities to work independently and/or in informal groups to tackle formative problems during the course of the module. This will allow students to use their knowledge to tackle experimental design problems. Students will also develop skills for independent study, including reading and understanding appropriate scientific literature and time management.
Students will study a range of techniques used to study individual genes and their expression, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, methods for expressing and purifying proteins, and methods (e.g. RNAi, CRISPR) for analysing and altering gene expression. Weekly problem-solving exercises will emphasise the practical application of these techniques.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revision Class | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Private study hours | 85 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 15 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.
- 2 hours of self-study per lecture including reading books and articles (36 hours)
- 19 hours answering formative problems and reviewing online answers to problems
- 30 hours of examination and in course assessment revision.
- Students will be provided with problems during in-course exercises.
- Feedback will be provided by the lecturer during the exercises.
- Students will be provided with examples of short-answer questions in order to practice answering this format of question, which will appear in the examination and students are advised to ensure they are familiar with the full range of materials covered.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | MRQ/Short questions test - taken under exam conditions. | 20 |
| Problem Sheet | Formative assessment - problem solving exercises. | 0 |
| In-course Assessment | Short answer questions to practice for exam. | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
Students will be provided with problems during in-course exercises. Feedback will be provided by the lecturer during the exercises. Similarly, you will be provided with examples of short-answer questions in order to practice answering this format of question, which will appear on the examination. These will cover various aspects of the module content and so you are advised to ensure that you are familiar with the range of materials covered.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 48.0 Hrs Mins | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 13/11/2020
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team