Molecular Biology

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Professor Duncan Shaw

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Twelve lectures on the basics of genome structure/genetic mapping, gene expression, analytical methods such as cloning and PCR, and protein structure and function. Two tutorial/problem solving sessions covering topics related to the lectures.

Structure

12 x 1 hour lecturing
2 x 2 hours tutorial/problem solving

Assessment

50% coursework (problem-solving assignment), 50% MCQ exam

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Allison Carrington

Pre-requisites

Entry to MSc programme in CLSM

Overview

Cloning practical: use restriction enzymes to digest DNA, analyse using gel electrophoresis, ligate into appropriate vector and transfect competent cells to amplify DNA and plasmid. Use appropriate selection methods to select successfully transfected cells. Analyse structure of recombinant DNA isolated from clones.

Structure

7 x 4-hour practical classes

Assessment

Continuous assessment (100%): lab book (10%) and lab write-ups (60%); essay under examination conditions (30%).

Credit Points

12.5

Course Coordinator

Henning Wackerhage

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

After an introduction to wet lab work, students will learn to perform a PCR reaction, protein extraction and a Western blot.

Structure

On-line teaching: Students will receive a comprehensive presentation that details the background to each method once a week.
Seminar: The material of the on-line presentation and the practical will be discussed during a weekly one-hour seminar.
Practicals: The backbone of this course is a weekly practical which may range from 3 hours to 1.5 days.
1. Introduction to wet lab work (3 h)
2. PCR for a human polymorphism (relevant assay for each cohort; 2 h + 4 h)
3. Protein extraction (relevant samples for each cohort: 6h)
4. Western blotting (relevant antibodies for each cohort: 6 h + 3 h)

Assessment

Continuous assessment (30%): Lab book (10%); Lab report (20%)
Examination (70%): 1 two-hour examination

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Kath Shennan and Professor Graeme Paton

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

This course describes and explains the theory and practice of the 'tool kit' that modern molecular biology uses to derive information about how biological systems function and interact. Detailing a wide and comprehensive range of molecular techniques, the course covers basic molecular biology, manipulation of DNA and RNA, gene closing and gene expression analysis, studies of gene functions, and proteins. The use of antibodies as molecular tools is also considered.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures per week, 8 three-hour practicals, and 3 one-hour tutorials.

Assessment

Continuous assessment consisting of a practical report (60%), a practical-related exercise (15%) and an essay (25%); no written examination.

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Mr A. M. Cumming

Pre-requisites

A degree or equivalent qualification, at the prescribed standard, in Genetics or other relevant discipline.

Overview

This 12 week course will include lectures, tutorials and practicals. The curriculum provides a range of molecular technologies for the study of genetic phenomena including the cloning and expression of genes using vector systems; the application of molecular information and genetic linkage analysis to locate genes; the utilisation of transgenic mice as disease models; practical experience in the cloning and analysis of a gene; searching for genetic variants using DNA technologies.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week, 1 tutorial and seven 2 hour practicals.

Assessment

One 1.5 hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%)

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Heather Wallace

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Is subject dependent but will be directed by the MSc Programme Co-ordinator in the subject. For example Clinical Pharmacology - Dr Heather Wallace.

Structure

Directed student learning. 3 meetings with tutor.

Assessment

90% continuous assessment (1 major essay); 10% oral presentation.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor Duncan Shaw, Dr Allison Carrington

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Twelve lectures on the basics of genome structure/genetic mapping, gene expression, analytical methods such as cloning and PCR, and protein structure and function. One tutorial/problem solving session covering topics related to the lectures.

Cloning practical: use restriction enzymes to digest DNA, analyse using gel electrophoresis, ligate into appropriate vector and transfect competent cells to amplify DNA and plasmid. Use appropriate selection methods to select successfully transfected cells. Analyse structure of recombinant DNA isolated from clones.

Structure

12 x 1 hour lectures; 2 hours tutorial/problem solving; 5 x 4 hours laboratory sessions.

Assessment

1st attempt: 30% coursework (practical lab report); 70% MCQ exam.
Resit: 100% MCQ exam for students taking MSc in Cell and Molecular Systems Biology (conversion course).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Ian Stansfield

Pre-requisites

A BSc Hons at class 2.2 or above in a science subject.

Overview

This course focuses initially on an understanding of how modern-day genome sequencing, and comparative genome analysis is carried out. Computer workshops will illustrate how comparative genome analysis can be carried out. Following this, courses on functional genomics show how high throughput techniques aid in the identification of gene function on a genome-wide basis. The vast datasets that result are challenging to analyse and integrate; through computer workshops, genome-wide data analysis will be carried out to show how information from multiple data sources can be integrated in the study of gene function.
Optional sections of the course will focus on either one of the following:
1. transgenics
2. the use of computer programming to rapidly process genome sequence to analyse gene function.

Structure

A total of 16 one-hour lectures and 4 two-hour computer workshops.

Assessment

1st attempt: Essay exam (50%) and in-course data handling assessment (50%).
Resit: Essay exam (100%) (for students taking the MSc in Cell and Molecular Systems Biology - conversion course).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrew Schofield

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This 6 week course will include lectures and tutorials. The curriculum includes information on the services provided within the health service for the diagnosis of genetic abnormalities. Particular attention is focused on cytogenetics defects and pre-natal diagnosis, and the increasing use of a DNA diagnostic service in providing detailed molecular information for the genetic counselling service.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week.

Assessment

50% examination, 50% written essay.

Credit Points

Course Coordinator

Dr Berndt Muller

Pre-requisites

120 credits from prescribed courses making up the relevant MRes/MSc programme

Notes

Overview

The topic of the project will be subject and supervisor dependent

Structure

Students will be assigned an individual supervisor with whom they should meet on a regular basis.

Assessment

Lab performance (10%); Thesis (80%); Presentation (10%)

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrew Schofield

Pre-requisites

N/A

Notes

Overview

Group work will focus on different aspects of common diseases including clinical description of disease, pathology, aetiolgy, genetic factors, non-genetic factors and potential treatment strategies. Choice of common disease topics may include cancer, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and bone disease.

Structure

16 x 1 hour tutorials
2 x 2 hour group presentations

Assessment

Two presentations (one 50% and one worth 40%); peer assessment (10%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrew Schofield

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

The 12 week course will include lectures, tutorials and a seminar. The curriculum will include population genetics, gene disease association; analysis of genetic disorders; genetic epidemiology; autoimmune disease in relation to the HLA complex

Structure

One or two 1 hour lectures per week, three 2 hour tutorials and four 3 hour tutorials

Assessment

Examination (70%); continuous assessment (30%).

Credit Points

Course Coordinator

Brendt Muller

Pre-requisites

Normally a BSc Hons 2.1 class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject

Co-requisites

60 credits from prescribed courses of the MRes Molecular Biology programme in weeks 12-22

Overview

Key concepts and theories in the field will be introduced and critically discussed in lectures. Specialised knowledge and understanding in developments at the forefront will be acquired by the study of primary literature. Supported by tutorials, the students will analyse and critically evalutate key papers and present this analysis to their peers.

Structure

A combination of lectures (10h), tutorials (6h) and self-directed learning

Assessment

1 x 2hr Exam (100%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrew Schofield

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This 12 week course consists of lectures, tutorials and an essay assignment. The curriculum focuses on the population biochemical screening or metabolic disorders using a number of model systems e.g. phenylketonuria. The biochemical diagnosis and clinical management of a range of metabolic abnormalities are also dealt with. Also covered are ethical issues raised in the diagnosis debilitating diseases through molecular technologies. The essay will focus on the background to the topic of the research project.

Structure

Five 1 hour lectures per week.

Assessment

One 2 hour examination (100%)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrew Schofield

Pre-requisites

N/A

Notes

Overview

Molecular laboratory practical: use PCR to analyse different genetic variants using restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis to obtain a genotype pattern. Analyse data to produce allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies.

Tutorials will focus on specific worked-examples to cover the variety of approaches to analyse data in the field of molecular genetics including linkage analysis, association studies, pedigree analysis and risk calculations.

Structure

4 x 6 hour laboratory sessions
5 x 2 hour tutorials/problem solving sessions

Assessment

1 x 2h written examination (70%); continuous assessment base on practical lab report (30%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrew Schofield

Pre-requisites

N/A

Co-requisites

A satisfactory level of attainment in examination and assignments within the MSc Medical Molecular Genetics programme.

Overview

Projects are restricted to research areas in the field of medical genetics. The nature of the project reflects the interest of research groups and workers within the Departments on the Foresterhill site.

Structure

Assessment

Thesis (50%); 3500 word essay (20%); lab work assessment (10%); presentation (10%); viva (10%).

Credit Points

Course Coordinator

Brendt Muller

Pre-requisites

Normally a BSc Hons 2.1 class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject.

Co-requisites

60 credits from prescibed courses of the MRes Molecular Biology programme in weeks 12-22

Overview

The focus of this course is the intensive study of primary literature, guided by the project supervisor, and the production of a research proposal.

Structure

Independant literature research and formulation of a research proposal (with assistance of project supervisor).

Assessment

Research proposal 5000 words (100%).