BIOTECHNOLOGY

Credit Points

120

Course Coordinator

Dr M Chithila-Munthali

Pre-requisites

BT 3004

Notes

This course is a pre-requisite for the following Honours Options: Biochemistry with Industrial Placement BC 4009/BC 4509, Biochemistry (Immunology) with Industrial Placement BC 4010/BC 4510, Biochemistry-Microbiology with Industrial Placement BC 4011/BC 4511, Environmental Microbiology with Industrial Placement MC 4010/MC 4510, Genetics with Industrial Placement GN 4005/GN 4505, Genetics (Immunology) with Industrial Placement GN 4006/ GN 4506, Microbiology with Industrial Placement MC 4008/MC 4508, Molecular Biology with Industrial Placement MB 4003/MB 4503 and Molecular Microbiology with Industrial Placement MC 4009/MC 4509.

Overview

One year’s practical (usually laboratory) experience in industry.
39-40 hours laboratory work per week.
Written report to be submitted by students; report from Industrial Supervisor.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr C K Pearson

Pre-requisites

BI 2002, BI 20M1, BI 2504, BI 25M3. BI 25M1 strongly recommended.

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 material leads from basic molecular biology and the manipulation of DNA and RNA, through gene cloning and gene expression analysis, to studies of the function of genes and their protein products. This is followed by a consideration of the study of proteins themselves, together with their properties. Finally, the use of antibodies as molecular tools is considered.
4 one-hour lectures, 6 three-hour laboratories during the course and 1 one-hour tutorial every week.
1 three-hour examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%) consisting of a laboratory report, one essay and a laboratory related exercise. Oral examination for borderline candidates.
Students must pass both the coursework and examination parts of the course.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr I Stansfield and Dr B Connolly

Pre-requisites

BT 3002, BT 3004, MB 3003, BC 3804 and 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

BT 4504

Overview

The formal teaching comprises a core lecture programme (thread 1) plus two options (thread 2) (each 15 hours contact time). The core (45 1 hour lectures) covers advanced aspects of protein structure, gene expression, developmental biology, cell biology and genome organisation and analysis. Each option, which will be selected from those on offer in Microbiology, Genetics, Immunology or Biochemistry, involve detailed working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff. Three essays will be written and examined. One of the essays will link directly to Biotechnology. Al students are required to prepare for, and to attend, a reading party in the week prior to term. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of Department.
45 hours lectures over ten weeks (core lecture programme) plus 30 hours further contact time (covering two options) and two one-hour tutorials.
2 @ 3 hours examination at end Semester 1 (73%) and continuous assessment (27%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr I Stansfield and Dr B Connolly

Pre-requisites

BT 3002, BT 3004, MB 3003, BC 3804 and 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

BT 4504

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 9 weeks laboratory work, starting one week prior to the beginning of Semester 2, and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. A project essay that covers the subject of the laboratory research will be completed and assessed as part of the Semester 1 Honours course. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 25 hours in the laboratory each week. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of the Semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of Department.
9 weeks project work @ 25 hours per week.
1 @ 2 hours, 1 @ 3 hours and 1 @ 4 hours examination at end Semester 2 (62%); continuous assessment (38%).