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

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Allison Carrington

Pre-requisites

N/A

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

Dr Lynne Hocking

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

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Neil Young

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Course aims:
1. To introduce students to a research driven teaching and learning environment that is intellectually stimulating and challenging.
2. To encourage the development of independent critical powers.
3. To encourage the development of personal and transferable skills to equip students for carer situations either in a research environment or other working environment.

Main Learning Outcomes:
1. In-depth knowledge and understanding of major cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying immunological processes in health and disease.
2. Acquisition of self-directed learning skills.
3. Ability to apply knowledge gained to the solution of practial and theoretical problems, and to communicate these effectively in group situations.
4. To equip students with critical and analytical skills required for further studies in specialised areas of immunological or related research.

Structure

Series of lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

Examination (70%), essay (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Prof Ian stansfield; Dr Jonathan Pettitt

Pre-requisites

N/A

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 indentification 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.

Structure

16x one-hour lectures and 4x two-hour workshops.

Assessment

Essay/problem-based questions examination (50%); and in-course data handling assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Allison Carrington

Pre-requisites

N/A

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 Neil Young

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Course aims: To provide students with a refresher course in basic immunology.

Course objectives: To provide all students with the knowledge required for more advanced teaching.

Structure

Series of lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

Multiple Choice Exam (100%), Formative 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

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

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 (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Donna MacCallum & Dr Neil Young

Pre-requisites

For students on MSci programmes offered by the School of Medical Sciences within the medical sciences subject area,there is a pre-requisite of either MB4050, IM4005, IM4006, BM4005, SR4005 or BM4004

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Lectures:
Host response: general introduction to host response, lectures covering specific host responses to fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Pathogenesis: general introduction to microbiology and pathogens, lectures covering specific pathogens (fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses) and disease mechanisms.

Therapeutics - current & future: lectures will cover current therapeutics for the various diseases, drug discovery and novel therapies.

Tutorial: early in the course a tutorial will explore essay writing and use of Refworks for reference management and citation.

Workshops(2 x 2h): workshops will investigate and explore experimental planning to evaluate host-pathogen interactions and to evaluate novel antimicrobial therapies.

Structure

Series of lectures (14hrs), workshops (2 x 2hrs) and tuturial (3 hrs).

Assessment

Continuous assessment (50%); Major essay (3000 words) (40%) and a written report based upon material covered in workshops(10%)
Examination (50%): multiple choice examination questions

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor Ian Stansfield

Pre-requisites

A BSc Hons at class 2:2 or above in a science subject.

For students on MSc programmes offered by the School of Medical Sciences within the medical scliences subject area, there is a pre-requisite of either MB4050, IM4005, IM4006, BM4005, SR4005 or BM4004.

Overview

This course focuses initially on an understanding of how modern-day genome sequencing has helped understanding of the causes and treatemnt of disease.
The course examines the genetics and biochemistry of disease from a genome-wide viewpoint. The study of disease and its treatment is also examined from the perspective of a number of different model systems, for example the nematode work C.elegans/ and baker's yeast S.cerevislaw/, showing how study of these simple systems can throw light into the aetiology of complex human diseases, and the mechanisms of their treatment by pharmaceuticals. Finally the availability of pathogen genome sequences is discussed in the context of infectious deseases and their treatment.