BIOTECHNOLOGY

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Prof A Porter

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.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures, 6 three-hour laboratories during the course and 1 one-hour tutorial every week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (75%) and in-course 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. Resit: As for main exam.

Credit Points

120

Course Coordinator

Dr J Perkins

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, 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. The industrial placement must be relevant to the aims of the degree programme.

Structure

39-40 hours laboratory work per week.

Assessment

In-course assessment:-Interim Reports (20%), Placement Thesis (60%), Oral exam (20%).

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Dr J Perkins

Pre-requisites

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

Co-requisites

BT 3004

Overview

The course extols the benefits of the industrial placement year and the importance of career planning. Workshops focus on CV construction, covering letter preparation, completing standard application forms and good interview technique. The course will prepare students for the workplace by developing general employment skills and by helping students identify their own transferable skills. The course is a pre-requisite for all students wishing to undertake an industrial placement year and is strongly recommended as part of career development for all other Molecular & Cell Biology students.

Structure

1 one hour lecture or workshop per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 60% completing a standard application form, 40% writing a covering letter.
Resit: Same.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Berndt Mueller

Pre-requisites

BT 3004, MB 3003, BC 3804 and GN 3502 or MC 3504.

Co-requisites

BT 4505, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15h contact time. Each option will cover seperate areas of either Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or Immunology.

Structure

Two essays will be written and examined. All 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 School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 elements (33.3%),in-course assessment in the form of two essays, 4 elements (66.6%) in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr A Schofield

Pre-requisites

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

Co-requisites

BT 4005, MB4050

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. 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 School.

Structure

9 weeks project work @ 25 hours per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 @ 2 hours, 1 @ 3 hours and 1 @ 4 hours examination at end Semester 2 (70%); in-course assessment (30%).

Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment and should contact the Course Co-ordinator for further details.