BIOL07007 2019 Biomolecular Technologies

General Details

Full Title
Biomolecular Technologies
Transcript Title
Biomolecular Technologies
Code
BIOL07007
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
BIOL - Biology
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Noel Connaughton, Ana Vale, Nicolas Touzet
Programme Membership
SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science SG_SSCIE_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SENVI_J07 201900 Level 7 Add-on Award in Science in Environmental Protection SG_SSCIE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science
Description

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;

1.

Explaining the basic principles underpinning biomolecular analyses

2.

Describing the principles of common molecular techniques

3.

Demonstrating knowledge of specific environmental or archaeological molecular biology based case studies

4.

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

  1. Principles & concepts (biomolecules, DNA replication, transcription, translation, genetic polymorphism)
  2. Molecular methodologies (PCR, electrophoresis, cloning, antibody-based assays, qPCR, microarrays)
  3. Monitoring and research applications (genetic fingerprinting, transcriptomics and proteomics, phylogenetics)
  4. Case study selection (profiling soil and aquatic microbes, detecting GMOs in the environment, chromosome Y typing, mitochondrial haplotypes)
  5. Laboratory practicals (a selection of common molecular biology techniques will be demonstrated and practiced)

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
60 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
40 %

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
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
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.

Required Reading
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

Required Reading
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

Non ISBN Literary Resources

N/A

Journal Resources

N/A

URL Resources

N/A

Other Resources

Selection of ScienceDirect research articles and reviews

Additional Information

N/A