Unit information: Gene expression and rearrangement in 2023/24

Unit name	Gene expression and rearrangement
Unit code	MOLG22200
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. van Aelst
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	School of Biochemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Unit Information

This unit covers the processes involved in maintaining and expressing the genetic material of microorganisms and animals. Topics covered include: DNA-protein interactions; mechanisms of DNA replication, recombination and repair; eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression; protein synthesis; mobile genetic elements; generation of immune diversity by rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes; regulatory RNA; viruses and cancer. Some prior knowledge of molecular biology (eg equivalent to Biochemistry: Cellular Composition) is recommended.

The main aims of this Unit are to provide students with a good understanding of (i) the mechanisms by which prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells replicate, repair and express their genetic material, and (ii) the importance of these processes in diseased and healthy cells. Further aims are to improve your ability to critically assess experimental data.

Your learning on this unit

Learning outcomes: knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of this course you should understand, and be able to explain:

1. how and why proteins interact with DNA;
2. how DNA is replicated and repaired;
3. the mechanisms of DNA recombination, and the importance of this process;
4. how genes are transcribed and translated, and the mechanisms by which these processes can be controlled in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms;
5. the molecular basis of oncogenes and DNA tumour viruses
6. the molecular basis of transposable elements
7. the regulatory roles of RNA

Learning outcomes: Skills

Upon completion of this course you should have acquired the skills necessary to:

1. understand how to undertake experiments in molecular genetics;
2. interpret experimental data relating to the processes described in the course;
3. present experimental work in a clear and concise written report.

How you will learn

Lectures, workshops and practicals

How you will be assessed

• Practicals: 20%
• Coursework essay: 10%
• End of unit exam: 70%

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MOLG22200).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.