2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL2111 Genetic Engineering

10 creditsClass Size: 165

Module manager: Professor Michael McPherson
Email: m.j.mcpherson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module starts from the basis that students have an understanding of the architecture of genes and the similarities and differences between gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. There is some information provided on the VLE to support this background understanding. There are two main sections to the module; Cloning and Manipulation of Genes which covers the basic toolkit of the genetic engineer, how genes are cloned, how their DNA sequence is determined, how we can mutate cloned genes, their engineering and expression. It describes the use of fusion tags to facilitate the study and purification of the recombinant proteins of interest and various systems for expression depending upon the purpose for which the protein is being purified. The second section is Investigating Gene Expression which includes measuring levels of gene expression through quantitative PCR, the regulation of gene expression using RNAi tools, the cellular localization of expressed proteins and complexes using antibodies, and the characterization of gene expression (temporal and spatial) including the use of reporter genes. There will be a number of formative problems set during the course to help students to develop skills in applying their knowledge to real life experimental design and analysis situations; feedback on how to solve these problems will be provided via the VLE.

Objectives

On completion of this module students will have developed an understanding of the principle tools for genetic engineering and will understand how genes are cloned, studied, modified and expressed, and how gene expression is studied in various organisms. They will also be capable of applying this knowledge to experimental problem solving.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
- engage with the major concepts and principles of gene cloning and manipulation, Protein expression and approaches for investigating gene and protein expression in organisms.
- review and understand the architecture of genes, and processes of transcription and translation and the differences in these regards between prokaryotes and eukaryotes;
- describe ways in which genes can be cloned, their DNA sequence determined, and how they can be mutated, engineered and used for production of recombinant proteins;
- be familiar with the use of fusion tags to facilitate the study and purification of the recombinant proteins;
- explain approaches for the investigation of gene regulation using techniques including PCR, hybridisation, immunological approaches and reporter genes;
- be familiar with the terminology associated with genetic engineering and be able to apply it appropriately;
- be familiar with some of the current developments in the field of genetic engineering and their applications;
- be able to think about the most appropriate approaches to use for experimental design and to solve experimental problems.

Professional Development Opportunities
There will be opportunities to work independently and/or in informal groups to tackle formative problems set during the course of the module. This will allow you to use your knowledge to tackle experimental design problems.
You will also develop skills for independent study, including reading and understanding appropriate scientific literature and analytical problem solving, and for time management.

Syllabus

A. CLONING AND MANIPULATING GENES
- Gene cloning tools
- cDNA and genomic libraries
- Gene cloning
- DNA sequencing
- Nucleic acid hybridisation
- Site directed mutagenesis
- Protein expression I
- Problem solving session
- Recombinant protein expression 3
- Protein expression II
- Protein expression III

B. INVESTIGATING GENE EXPRESSION
- Quantitative PCR
- RNAi tools and gene regulation
- Antibodies and immunodetection
- In vivo monitoring and GFP
- Studying gene expression I
- Studying gene expression II
- Studying gene expression III
- Problem solving session.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Revision Class	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	18	1.00	18.00
Private study hours			81.00
Total Contact hours			19.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Students should note that the following information is for guidance only. The actual time required for the various elements will vary between students.
- 2 hours of self-study per lecture including reading books and articles (36 hours)
- 15 hours answering formative problems and reviewing online answers to problems
- 30 hours of examination and in course assessment revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Student attendance at lectures will be monitored in line with standard faculty practice
- In-course Multiple Response Question (MRQ) test
- formative problem questions
- formative exam style questions
- Unseen exam.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	MRQ/Short questions test - taken under exam conditions.	20.00
Problem Sheet	Formative assessment - problem solving exercises.	0.00
In-course Assessment	Short answer questions to practice for exam.	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

The formative problems will be via the VLE and at scheduled problem sessions. The short-answer questions to practice for the format used in the exam. The questions will cover various aspects of the module content and you are advised to be familiar with the range of materials.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/03/2017

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