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Module Catalogue

MD998-10 Molecular Biology: Principles and Techniques

Department
Warwick Medical School
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Andrew Bowman
Credit value
10
Module duration
5 weeks
Assessment
50% coursework, 50% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

Module web page

Module aims

This module aims to provide students with a physical sciences background a comprehensive understanding of the principles of modern molecular biology and equip the students with both the theoretical and practical skills necessary to analyse and manipulate nucleic acids and proteins. The module explores structure-function relationships of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, the structure of the cell and its compartments, the flow of information from DNA to protein, chromosome duplication and segregation, the regulation of cell proliferation, gene expression and an extensive repertoire of molecular analysis and cloning techniques.
Students will learn how to purify and quantify nucleic acids, how to clone a gene into a bacterial vector, how to express and purify a recombinant proteins, modern methods to investigate
protein-protein interactions, strategies for mutagenesis.
Students will be able to appraise the practical considerations and theoretical limitations of each approach.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

  1. Properties and structure of biomolecules
  • Properties of DNA, RNA and proteins
  • Recombinant DNA technology
    Practical session 1
    Molecular cloning: PCR, restriction digests, gel purification, ligation, transformation
  1. From DNA to protein and control of gene expression
  • Gene expression in prokaryotes
  • Gene expression in eukaryotes
  • Translation
  • Gene libraries
    Practical session 2
    Library preparation & analysis
  1. DNA replication, repair and segregation
  • DNA replication in bacteria and eukaryotes
  • DNA repair (e.g., mismatch-repair and double-strand break repair)
  • Chromosome alignment and segregation
    Practical session 3
    Library screening: 96 well format, ELISA
  1. Molecular analysis and protein-protein interactions
  • Antibodies and their applications
  • Protein interaction analysis
  • Display technologies
    Practical session 4
    Antibodies as tools: Western-blotting, immunoprecipitation
  1. Introduction to emerging techniques
  • Next generation sequencing
  • Genome editing & genome synthesis
  • Lab-on-a-chip

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the fundamental properties of nucleic acids and proteins critically assess how these features affect cellular process and their experimental manipulation.
  • Perform practical experimental manipulations withbiomolecules, and critically evaluate the experimental outcomes and key biophysical principles used.
  • Contrast between the cellular structure and principles of gene regulation and gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and analyse the steps from DNA to RNA to proteins
  • Summarise the steps required for DNA replication andchromosome segregation and illustrate the different pathways of DNA repair.
  • Summarise the steps required for DNA replication andchromosome segregation and illustrate the different pathways of DNA repair.

Indicative reading list

Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2014. Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. ISBN: 9780815344322.
Biochemistry (8th Edition) 2015. Jeremy Berg et al. ISBN-10: 1-4641-2610-0. Lewin's Genes XI, 2013. Krebs, Goldstein, Kilpatrick. ISBN: 128402721X

Subject specific skills

Sound understanding of subject
Critically evaluate
Reflection

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Thinking and problem solving
written communication
oral communication
Teamwork
Organisation & time management
Use of tools and technology
Commercial awareness
Independence and initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility

Study time

Type Required
Seminars 20 sessions of 1 hour (20%)
Practical classes 20 sessions of 1 hour (20%)
Private study 60 hours (60%)
Total 100 hours

Private study description

60 hours of self-directed study (course reading,
preparation for practical classes, writing up of laboratory reports).

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group C1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Laboratory Report 50% 10 hours Yes (extension)

3000 to 4000 words
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Oral examination (20 mins) 50% 10 hours No
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Written feedback will be provided for the written and oral assessments in line with WMS\r\npostgraduate assessment criteria.\tFurther verbal feedback will be made available to \r\nstudents on request.\r\n

Past exam papers for MD998

Courses

This module is Core optional for:

  • Year 1 of TMDA-B91Z Postgraduate Taught Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research