BIOL07007 2019 Biomolecular Technologies
This teaching unit will introduce students to the principles underpinning molecular biology and to some practical components of common biomolecular methodologies which apply to environmental and archaeological sciences.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explaining the basic principles underpinning biomolecular analyses
Describing the principles of common molecular techniques
Demonstrating knowledge of specific environmental or archaeological molecular biology based case studies
Performing and reporting on molecular biology laboratory experiments
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures and laboratory practicals, which will be augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources. Real field samples will be used for some of the laboratory-based practicals.
Module Assessment Strategies
The module will be assessed using a combination of end of semester final exam (40%), continuous class assessment and reporting of laboratory-based work (60%). The continuous class assessment will involve two-three theory assessments incorporating a series of short questions. Practical work will be assessed via written scientific reports.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
- Principles & concepts (biomolecules, DNA replication, transcription, translation, genetic polymorphism)
- Molecular methodologies (PCR, electrophoresis, cloning, antibody-based assays, qPCR, microarrays)
- Monitoring and research applications (genetic fingerprinting, transcriptomics and proteomics, phylogenetics)
- Case study selection (profiling soil and aquatic microbes, detecting GMOs in the environment, chromosome Y typing, mitochondrial haplotypes)
- Laboratory practicals (a selection of common molecular biology techniques will be demonstrated and practiced)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Any | 1,2,3 |
2 | Practical Evaluation | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 40 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 40 % | End of Term | 1,2,3 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Theory Lectures | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Practical / Laboratory | Science Laboratory | Laboratory Work | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self-Studying | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2010-01-01 Environmental Molecular Microbiology Horizon Scientific Press
ISBN 9781904455523 ISBN-13 1904455522
This book highlights the current state-of-the-art of environmental molecular microbiology. International experts have contributed chapters that describe the various technologies and their applications in environmental microbiology.
2011-02-08 Biomolecular Archaeology John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 1444392433 ISBN-13 9781444392432
Illustrated thoroughly, Biomolecular Archaeology is the first book to clearly guide students through the study of ancient DNA: how to analyze biomolecular evidence (DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) to address important archaeological questions. The first book to address the scope and methods of this new cross-disciplinary area of research for archaeologists Offers a completely up-to-date overview of the latest research in this innovative subject Guides students who wish to become biomolecular archaeologists through the complexities of both the scientific methods and archaeological goals. Provides an essential component to undergraduate and graduate archaeological research
2006-01-18 Molecular Ecology Wiley
ISBN 0470090626 ISBN-13 9780470090626
Molecular Ecology provides a comprehensive introduction to the many diverse aspects of this subject. The book unites theory with examples from a wide range of taxa in a logical and progressive manner, and its accessible writing style makes subjects such as population genetics and phylogenetics highly comprehensible to its readers. The first part of the book introduces the essential underpinnings of molecular ecology, starting with a review of genetics and a discussion of the molecular markers that are most frequently used in ecological research. This leads into an overview of population genetics in ecology. The second half of the book then moves on to specific applications of molecular ecology, covering phylogeography, behavioural ecology and conservation genetics. The final chapter looks at molecular ecology in a wider context by using a number of case studies that are relevant to various economic and social concerns, including wildlife forensics, agriculture, and overfishing * comprehensive overview of the different aspects of molecular ecology * attention to both theoretical and applied concerns * accessible writing style and logical structure * numerous up-to-date examples and references This will be an invaluable reference for those studying molecular ecology, population genetics, evolutionary biology, conservation genetics and behavioural ecology, as well as researchers working in these fields.
Module Resources
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Selection of ScienceDirect research articles and reviews
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