Overview

The lectures (20 in total) build on the 1st year "MSE-1007 Foundation in Molecules and Cells" module.

Subjects covered in the lectures are: DNA structure, replication, stability and inheritance; transcription, RNA processing, splicing and translation; post-translational modification and structure of proteins, enzyme kinetics; genome organisation and epigenetics; metabolism and bioenergetics.

The module also contains 6 practical days on applied molecular methodologies covering a range of key technologies (reverse transcription, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, protein expression and SDS-PAGE).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Category: D- to D+ (40%-49%)The student should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. The knowledge is only based on the lectures and practicals. There are significant knowledge gaps or a misunderstanding of the understanding of DNA, RNA and protein structure and function, the biological links between these molecules and their wider roles within the cell.

-good -Category: B- to B+ (60-69%)The student should demonstrate good factual knowledge across all aspects of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, meeting the majority of learning outcomes, and additionally demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject.The content is largely based on the lectures & practicals. Limited evidence of critical thinking.

-excellent -Category: A-A* (70%-100%)An excellent student should demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of DNA, RNA and protein structure and function, the biological links between these molecules and their wider roles within the cell. Coverage of learning outcomes should be comprehensive and accurate, and additionally there should be clear evidence that the student has extended their reading beyond the module content (either through the scientific literature or citable online resources). Evidence of critical thinking and wider reading is essential for A+ and A* marks.

-another level-Category: C- to C+ (50%-59%)The student should demonstrate factual knowledge across all aspects of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, meeting a reasonable proportion of learning outcomes. The presented material is only based on the lectures and practicals with some knowledge gaps. Very limited evidence of thinking critically about the subject.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a competence in performing common molecular biological techniques (pipetting, dilution, setting up enzymatic reactions, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, data recording and analysis) Demonstrate appropriate numerical and descriptive data analysis skills. Demonstrate formal scientific reporting skills, including use of graphs, figures and tables

• Demonstrate knowledge and a conceptual understanding of the key biological functions of DNA, RNA and proteins

• Demonstrate knowledge and a conceptual understanding of the processes of DNA replication, recombination and repair; transcription and RNA processing; translation and protein folding

• Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of bioenergetics and the catalytic mechanisms of enzymes

• Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of genome organisation and regulation of gene expression

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of protein structure and function