CORE MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIES FOR BIOLOGISTS

CORE MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIES FOR BIOLOGISTS
Course Code
BT 3004
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.