Unit information: Recombinant DNA Technology in 2023/24

Unit name	Recombinant DNA Technology
Unit code	MOLG22100
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
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 examines the methodology and applications of recombinant DNA technology. Topics covered include: genome organisation; procedures for cloning and analysing genes; methods for analysing gene expression; the creation and use of transgenic microorganisms and animals; gene editing; synthetic DNA and genomes; protein engineering; bioinformatics; microarray technology. Some prior knowledge of molecular biology (eg equivalent to Biochemistry: Cellular Composition) is recommended.

The main aim of this Unit is to provide students with a good understanding of the techniques used to clone, analyse and modify genetic material in microorganisms, plants and animals. Further aims are to improve their ability to critically assess experimental data.

Your learning on this unit

Learning outcomes: knowledge and understanding

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

1. the organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes;
2. the methods commonly employed for manipulation and analysis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA);
3. the methods commonly employed for the creation of genetically-modified cell lines and organisms (microbes and animals);
4. the applications of bioinformatics and functional genomics;

Learning outcomes: skills

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

1. understand how to undertake simple gene-cloning experiments;
2. interpret experimental data obtained using the techniques 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. MOLG22100).

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.