- Course Code
- MB 3006
- Credit Points
- 30
- Course Coordinator
- Dr I Stansfield
Pre-requisites
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.