Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

n/a

Co Requisite Comment

n/a

Aims

To inform students about the technology that is currently used in the analysis and engineering of genes and to give students practical experience in this technology. Also to introduce the principles of allied technologies (proteomics, transcriptomics, and cell culture) and expose students to relevant industrial uses of these technologies.

Lab practicals will provide students with intensive training in modern molecular biological methods centred around synthetic biology. Students will be taken through a logically connected sequence of experiments on a biological system that will allow them to collect experimental data for presentation and analysis. This helps to equip students to carry out final year laboratory based research projects, as well as increasing their practical and data processing skills.

The module, along with others, provides students with underpinning theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the final year biotechnological modules and projects offered by the School.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module introduces the technology currently used in the analysis and engineering of genes. It also introduces the principles of allied technologies (proteomics, transcriptomics, and cell culture) and provides an introduction to the use of a model-guided design for experimentation in biotechnology.

Lecture topics:

Synthetic biology Tools
Metabolic Engineering
Protein engineering.
High-level regulated expression of heterologous genes in microbial systems.
Genome editing.
Creation of transgenic plants, animals and microorganisms; introduction to applications of the technology in medicine, agriculture and industry.
Outlines of proteomics, transcriptomics.
Outline of plant and animal cell culture.
Introduction to model-guided design for biotechnology.

Practicals

The lectures will be underpinned by a series of practicals, which will focus on:

PCR from plasmid DNA
Site directed mutagenesis
In silicon DNA analysis
Cell-free synthetic biology

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module students should understand the technology underpinning genetic engineering. They should know how to isolate, analyse and modify specific DNA sequences, and how to introduce these sequences into bacteria and eukaryotes. They should understand the principles of proteomics and transcriptomics and of cell culture and should have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the utility and applications of these techniques in industrial biotechnology. They will appreciate the reasons for experimental repetitions and replicates and the importance of appropriate statistical analysis for interpretation of experimental data. Students will gain practical knowledge of recombinant DNA techniques and basic protein isolation and characterisation techniques and specific knowledge of nutritional regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Importantly, students will also gain an appreciation of the inter-disciplinary nature of modern laboratory-based biological tools and techniques.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will gain subject-specific skills through experiments in DNA and protein analysis via a problem-solving approach. The ability to carry out laboratory procedures correctly, accurately and precisely on an individual basis is promoted. Students will be able to demonstrate competency in core molecular biology skills relevant for work in this sector. Competency in relevant cognitive skills will be developed through relating laboratory methods to principles of molecular biology and through data interpretation and analysis. Key employability skills will be developed including ability to plan and prioritise laboratory work; to analyse and communicate technical information in a clear written report following accepted scientific conventions; to work synergistically in teams; and to use IT sources efficiently and critically.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures provide factual material; the practical classes introduce and allow students to practise laboratory skills and important techniques; the field trip exposes the students to a biotechnological company, to their industrial site, and to explanations of their purposes and methods.

The practicals give students hands-on experience in fundamental laboratory techniques with appropriate supervision and guidance. Practical skill assessment completed during the workshop will assess knowledge of methodology. Private study, both during and after the workshop, is necessary for students to absorb information gained from instruction and practical work, to deepen knowledge and understanding through reading of supporting references, and to prepare assignments on data analysis and comprehension.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written assessment is designed to test understanding, synthesis and analysis, and retention of the important concepts of recombinant DNA technology. Both subject-specific and key skill learning outcomes are
assessed by the requirement to present a data analysis report in an acceptable scientific format. will receive immediate verbal feedback on the success, and how they can improve the outcome of the experiments performed during the workshop.

General Notes

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