AP0511 - Molecular Biology and Genetics

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and practical classes. The theoretical basis of each technique will be explained in lectures, and appropriate examples of molecular biology applied to research or diagnostic procedures will be given. Where appropriate, the historical evolution of the techniques will be explained to illustrate good scientific thinking and methodology. You will be expected to reinforce your learning in lectures with extensive background reading and you will be encouraged to discuss your understanding of the topics with your peer group. The practical sessions will give you hands-on experience of key molecular biology procedures and their associated data analysis.

You will be provided with access to lecture notes and other supporting material via the electronic learning portal (eLP, Blackboard Ultra) where you will be kept up to date with the organisation of lectures and practical sessions. These will complement electronic timetables that can be accessed at any time via the University’s timetabling provision. You also will be supported by a team of lecturers and technical staff who will respond to your queries in a timely and professional manner. Lecturers will provide opportunities for you to ask questions regarding the academic content of lectures during or immediately-following lecture sessions and there will be extensive opportunities for you to discuss practical issues during timetabled practical sessions. Staff can be contacted outside of sessions directly or indirectly to deal with queries.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will gain knowledge of fundamental molecular biology principles.
2. You will understand how molecular biology has been applied to advance the knowledge of genetics.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. You will gain practical experience in molecular biology techniques.
4. You will demonstrate a professional approach to safe laboratory working.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. You will learn to appreciate the ethical issues surrounding the genome projects.

Specific knowledge and understanding of molecular biology and genetics will be assessed by an online (eLP) exam involving multiple choice questions and receive a summative mark (MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 tested), weighted 50%.
Coursework will involve the interpretation of applied genetics data by an online (eLP) assessment and receive a summative mark (MLOs 1, 2, 5 tested), weighted 50%.

Practical Skills, Cell Biology and Genetics

For Biomedical and Biology Programmes only - Principles of Cellular and Bio-molecular Analysis, Biology of Disease

Molecular biology is the study of cellular processes at the molecular level using a range of techniques to analyse and manipulate nucleic acids such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Since the flow of genetic information in cells passes from DNA to RNA to proteins, the subject is also concerned with methods for studying protein function and producing useful proteins by engineering DNA. Molecular biology is intrinsically linked to genetics, and application of the techniques in bioscience research and diagnostics has led to many discoveries of value to scientists and society. The module delivers research evidence-based examples and offers the opportunity for students to gain practical experience of the techniques in state-of-the-art facilities that will provide students with a skill set sought by research laboratories and employers.