Module Details

Module Code: PHAR S8020
Full Title: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner::
  • Arjan van Rossum
  • Enda Clinton
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This module will present the basic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology underlying cell biology. It will provide the students with a fundamental knowledge of the structure and function of the cell and the process of cell division. Students will learn the processes that drive gene expression and how this process can be manipulated in controlled ways to produce biopharmaceutical products.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Examine the basic structures and biologically relevant properties of the common groups of biomolecules.
MLO2 Synthesise the structure of the cell and the function of various cellular organelles.
MLO3 Evaluate and describe the processes involved in the central dogma of molecular biology and their application in recombinant DNA technology.
MLO4 Examine the merits of different expression systems for the production of recombinant proteins.
MLO5 Apply practical competencies in relevant molecular techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Basics of biochemistry
Structure of atom, chemical bonding, Acids, bases, pH, functional groups, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, Structure and function of nucleic acids.
Introduction to cell structure and the cell cycle.
Ultrastructure of the cell and function of individual organelles. DNA replication, transcription and mRNA translation will be reviewed in detail including an overview of post translational modifications.
Proteins
Functions of proteins in cells (structure and support; protection; movement; catalysts; hormones; transport). Classification of proteins (fibrous, globular, simple, conjugated). Amino acids (essential and non-essential) and protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary).
Recombinant DNA technology
A detailed overview in the use of plasmids to transfer genetic material and the use of restriction enzymes, ligation and cell transformation in the manipulation of plasmid composition. An description of the process involved in creating a transgenic cell line.
Production of recombinant proteins
Production of recombinant proteins using bacterial, yeast, insect cells and mammalian cells. An examination of the characteristics associated with the use of various production cell lines.
Practical lab sessions
Practical lab sessions will be completed to allow students to become familiarised with the use of pipettes, the accurate preparation of solutions, the idenfication of key cellular structures in the cell and the use of recombinant DNA technology in the lab.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work30.00%
Practical20.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 9 Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A multiple choice / short answer / sketch / fill
in the blanks exam will be performed to
examine the knowledge and understanding
the students have gained from weeks 4-9.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 4 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A multiple choice / short answer / sketch / fill in the blanks exam will be performed to examine the knowledge and understanding the students have gained from weeks 1-3.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will participate in laboratory-based practical sessions in which will be performed in interactive group settings with summative practical laboratory reports and/or the lab manual will be submitted/reviewed during the module for grading. Further details are presented in the indicative content section of this document.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact 2 x 1 hour interactive lectures per week. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Independent study of lecture-related material Every Week 5.00 5
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact 2 x 4 hour lab practical at the end of the semester Once per semester 0.53 8
Independent Study Non Contact Preparation for practical & reporting results Once per semester 0.80 12
Total Weekly Learner Workload 11.33
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.53
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Nelson, D and Cox, M. (2017), Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 7th Ed.. Freeman, [ISBN: 9781464187971].
  • Lodish et al. Molecular Cell Biology, 5th Ed.. Freeman, [ISBN: 9781464183393].
  • David P. Clark and Nanette J. Pazdernik. (2011), Biotechnology : Academic Cell Update Edition, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, ProQuest EBook Central - Dkit Libary, [ISBN: 9780123850645].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources