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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY2132 Advanced Practical Skills for Genetics

10 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso
Email: Y.Benitez-Alfonso@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is mutually exclusive with

BIOL2301Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences
BIOL2305Integrated Skills for Biosciences 2
MICR2320Skills for Microbiologists 2

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides laboratory experience of the techniques that are discussed in the BIOL2111 (Genetic Engineering) and BIOL2112 (Genes and Genomes) modules. The series of 9 practicals covers: gene cloning (plasmid isolation, restriction enzyme digestion, isolation of DNA from agarose gels, DNA ligation, bacterial transformation, colony PCR); site-directed mutagenesis; analysis of DNA sequencing data; expression and purification of proteins in bacteria; and Western blotting.

Objectives

This module aims to provide training in experimental techniques, data collection and analysis, problem solving, and teamwork relevant to the multi-disciplinary arena of molecular biology and genetics. Skills training will be integrated with the lecture content of BIOL2112 Genes & Genomes and BIOL 2111 Genetic Engineering.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of and competence in an extended range of laboratory equipment and practical techniques current to molecular biology and genetics;
2. Record, analyse and interpret a variety of experimental data including the appropriate use of simple statistical tests;
3. Propose hypotheses and design controlled experiments and/or strategies to investigate these;
4. Apply knowledge of the discipline to solve biological problems.

Skills outcomes
- Practical experience of laboratory techniques specific to molecular biology and genetics;
- Experience of writing a scientific paper.


Syllabus

Students will undertake a range of experiments using biochemical and molecular techniques including gene cloning, PCR, mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, protein expression, Western blotting, bioinformatics & aseptic technique.

Through these experiments they will further develop their technical competence, as well as their ability to record results, interpret a wider variety of data types and form conclusions that do not exceed reasonable interpretation of the data.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture21.002.00
Practical96.0054.00
Private study hours44.00
Total Contact hours56.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Private study time will involve preparation for the lab classes (studying the protocols provided, and completing on-line questions regarding the work to be undertaken), and the production of the assessed practical reports.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Prior to attending each practical, students must read the protocols to be used and complete a set of on-line questions that test understanding. Students can discuss work completed to date with demonstrators and academic staff during the practicals themselves, and laboratory notebooks and proformas are checked weekly. The first assignment (Practical Report 1) is deliberately down-weighted to give students an opportunity to develop coursework technique ahead of the second assignment. There is a specific session for feedback on Practical Report 1 before students start writing Practical Report 2.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Practical ReportPractical report based on Practicals 1-5. Three sides of A4.20.00
Practical ReportShort scientific paper (2000 words) based on Practicals 1-980.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Practical reports will have s-coding (students who don't attend have mark capped at 40). The resit format will be an alternative piece of work involving data analysis and presentation.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 25/09/2019

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