MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr I Stansfield

Pre-requisites

BI 2002, BI 20M3 and BI 25M6.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

The first part of the course deals with the basic biochemistry of genetic material, including an examination of DNA replication, including cell cycle, chromosome organisation, recombination and repair, and mobile genetic elements (transposons). We progress into the core central dogma by dealing with both prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms for the transcription of DNA into RNA and the subsequent synthesis of proteins encoded in mRNA. The focus then moves first to protein molecules, dealing with protein processing, targeting and turnover, and then to cell biological aspects of protein trafficking, membrane transduction and cell signalling. The course concludes with a discussion of cell structure and cell death. Laboratory work, assignments and tutorials are designed to complement and extend the lecture topics. Additional learning opportunities are provided in the staged series of Workshops, which allow the opportunity to actively employ understanding of a topic in a workshop/small group learning environment.

Structure

The formal teaching comprises 4 one-hour lectures per week, 1 two-hour workshop per fortnight, 5 three-hour practicals during the course and 1 two-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 2.5 hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.

Resit: One 2.5 hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.

Formative Assessment

- PRS-based revision sessions allow students to practice for MCQ tests and receive feedback on their performance.
- PRS-based MCQ in lectures/practicals.
- Practice exam questions on MyAberdeen.
- Problem-solving sessions on data handling in workshops.

Feedback

- Practical reports and essays will be marked with written comments.
- Problem solving questions will be discussed during a lecture/feedback session.
- Tutorial sessions will provide feedback on course content.
- Students are given general feedback on performance during PRS revision sessions.
- Students receive on-line feedback on completion of the tests.
- PRS MCQ assessment answers discussed at the end of assessment session. Immediate feedback on practice questions available on MyAberdeen.
- Feedback on problem-based learning exercise.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr B Mueller

Pre-requisites

BC 3503, MB 3006,
GN 3502 and 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

MB 4504, MB 4050.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises two options each 15h contact time. Each option will cover seperate areas of Molecular Biology working from the original literature under the supervision of 1-3 members of staff. 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.

Structure

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 (66.7%) in the form of a single three hour exam paper.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr B Muller

Pre-requisites

For Biochemistry, BC 3503, MB 3006 and GN 3502 or MC 3504); for Biochemistry (Immunology), IM 3802, MB 3006 and GN 3502 or MC 3504; for Biotechnology, BC 3503, MB 3006 and GN 3502 or MC 3504; for Genetics, GN 3502; MB 3006 strongly recommended; for Genetics (Immunology), GN 3502, IM 3802, MB 3006; strongly recommended; for Immunology, IM 3802, MB 3006 + 60 further credits agreed with Adviser; for Microbiology, MC 3504, MB 3006 and BC 3503 or IM 3802; for Molecular Microbiology, MC 3504, MB 3006, BC 3503; for Molecular Biology, BC 3503, MB 3006, GN 3502; for BMS Molecular Biology, BM 3006, MB 3006, BC 3503 and MC 3504 or GN 3502 or BM 3501 with either PA 3802 or PY 3803. For all above degree programmes with Industrial Placement, BT 5007 is an additional pre-requisite.

Co-requisites

For Biochemistry, BC 4012 and BC 4514; for Biochemistry (Immunology), BC 4013 and BC 4515; for Biotechnology, BT 4005 and BT 4507; for Genetics, GN 4007 and GN 4509; for Genetics (Immunology), GN 4008 and GN 4510; for Immunology, IM 4003 and IM 4503; for Microbiology, MC 4012 and MC 4514; for Molecular Microbiology, MC 4013 and MC 4515; for Molecular Biology, MB 4004 and MB 4505; for BMS Molecular Biology, BM 4007 and BM 4509.

Overview

The formal teaching comprises a core lecture programme of 45 1-hour lectures. These cover advanced aspects of; protein structure as it relates to the function of enzymes and protein complexes; the role and regulation of gene expression, including post-transcriptional regulation; developmental and cell biology; genome organisation and analysis in the context of genome sequenses and post-genomic technologies. One essay covering a topic relevant to the separate areas covered by the degree programmes will be written and examined.

Structure

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: 1 three-hour written paper (80%); in-course assessment (20%) consisting of 1 essay.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Professor K Docherty

Pre-requisites

BC 3503, GN 3502, MB 3006 and 30 other credit points at level 3.

Co-requisites

MB 4004, MB 4050

Overview

The core element of the course is a research project that involves 10 weeks laboratory work and production of a thesis. Assessment is on the basis of the performance in the laboratory, the thesis, and the project seminar. Two research tutorials will be organised by academic staff and will be assessed by examination at the end of Semester. Tutorials will be held at regular intervals with the tutor appointed by the Head of School.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 two-hour examinations (2 elements each) and 1 four-hour examination (3 elements) (63.6%); in-course assessment (36.4%).