BI2BMG4: Molecular Genetics

Module code: BI2BMG4

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Eva Kevei, email: e.g.kevei@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1BEC1 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 28 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Molecular genetics, the study of the structure and function of genes and genomes, enabled scientists to develop new technologies that impact many aspects of our lives. The understanding of how genes and genomes work revolutionised research and led to the development of personalised medicine and contributed to improved agricultural and industrial production. In this module you will study how chromosomes are organised, replicated and repaired, and how genes are expressed and regulated at the molecular level. The core concepts of molecular genetics will be linked with a range of topics with relevance to today’s society. You will learn about recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, and gain hands on experience of the techniques used in the laboratory for molecular cloning. You will also use bioinformatics approaches to analyse genes and their encoded proteins at the molecular level.

The overall aim of this course is to give students an in-depth understanding of molecular genetics that underlies the majority of modern biological research. The module will cover both the concepts and some applications of molecular genetics in the study of processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

The module aims:

• To provide an appreciation of the mechanisms involved in the control of gene expression in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes
• To give an overview of new genetic technologies that advance our understanding of genetic mechanisms and to develop understanding of the major concepts used by these applications
• To provide students with hands-on experience and understanding in some of the main procedures used in recombinant DNA technology and protein expression work, through performing laboratory exercises
• To provide an illustration of the link between experimentation and scientific knowledge
• To introduce students to important bioinformatics tools used to study gene and protein function
• To provide students with the analytical skills required to experimental design, data analysis and interpretation

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Explain the manner in which chromosomes are organised, structured and replicated
2. Describe the mechanisms gene expression control for classic bacterial and eukaryotic exemplars
3. Explain the processes of gene expression in eukaryotes and prokaryotes
4. Compare and contrast the mechanisms employed for control of gene expression in eukaryote as opposed to prokaryote systems
5. Discuss a range of experimental technologies and current topics in molecular genetics
6. Apply bioinformatics tools to examinine nucleotide and amino acid sequence data
7. Gain competence in and analyse the results of key methods in molecular genetics

Module content

1. Chromosome and chromatin structure
2. The process of DNA replication
3. The basal transcription machinery in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
4. The involvement of chromosome structure in gene expression
5. The involvement of protein-nucleic acid interactions in control of gene expression
6. Response of genes to external stimuli illustrated by appropriate examples and the mechanisms used to switch on and off genes to integrate the effects of varying stimuli 
7. RNA processing
8. Introducing applications of the basic principles and techniques of molecular genetics in different fields from fundamental research to human medicine
9. Bioinformatics analysis of gene function
10. Problem-solving studies of gene function using bioinformatics
11. Laboratory practical sessions: Molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression using methods of PCR, restriction digestion, transformation and bacterial expression of proteins

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

1. Most weeks will include two ~45-minute lectures
2. Problem-solving tutorials or bioinformatic 'practical' sessions (assessed) may follow the lectures
3. Required background reading/learning materials will form part of the assessed content of the module
4. One formative Blackboard-based test in each term for students to take in their own time; these will be based upon the content of the module (to encourage revision and comprehension of the course)
5. In addition, there will be a series of assessed lab-based practical sessions where students will engage with a number of recombinant DNA techniques

For lab-based practical sessions:

• Students will be expected to complete preparatory work beforehand and this will be assessed before the start of the practical classes by a test
• Lab-based practical work will be in carried out either individually or in groups of varying sizes depending on the task involved
• Understanding gained will be assessed at the end of the practicals via a set exercise

Study hours

At least 48 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Two Blackboard tests (one in each semester) on the lecture content designed to check knowledge and aid learning.

Reassessment

Additional costs