2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1326 Practical Skills for Biology and Genetics

20 creditsClass Size: 180

Module manager: Prof. Jurgen Denecke
Email: j.denecke@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

BLGY1234 and half of BLGY1325

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces and develops core practical research and scientific skills that students will use throughout their degree program.A series of lectures will first lead to a theoretical familiarisation with a broad range of standard laboratory practices including routine calculations, analytical methods to quantify biochemical processes and study bio-molecular and genetic interactions in vivo and in vitro. This also includes concepts of evolution, physiology, and morphology. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific experimentation design and process, to the extent that they appreciate the value of suitable controls and critical thinking. Practicals introduce manual skills and safe working practices in a laboratory environment, trouble-shooting, the importance of independent replicates and maintenance of accurate records of findings. Practicals will cover processes at the molecular-, cellular-, whole organism and population level within the broader remit of biology and genetics.

Objectives

This module introduces core lab skills for Biology and Genetics. Teaching will be practical-based and supported by introductory lectures that provide the concepts and preparatory material. The major objectives include an understanding of routine laboratory techniques and experience of a range of analytical methods to monitor biochemical reactions in a quantitative or qualitative manner. Students will be provided training in microscopy and the observation of single cells and tissues as well as subcellular structures.

Techniques for research on whole organisms and populations will also be covered. Core concepts include an understanding of scientific principles such as the difference between experimental science and pure observation, data recording, the difference between accuracy and precision as well as distinguishing technical replicates from biological replicates. These will be covered in the context of the laboratory experiments.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding and practical experience of laboratory techniques for biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics as well as whole organism and population studies.
2. Explain core concepts in biology and genetics including patterns of inheritance, genetic linkage, identification of insects and plant and animal organs and tissues
3. Calculate percentages, proportionalities, molarity, concentration and dilution factors, and work with solutions in the laboratory
4. Analysis, critical interpretation and presentation of results from practical work.

Skills outcomes
- Good Laboratory Practice and adherence to health & safety guidelines;
- Core molecular biology techniques and skills working with tissues and whole organisms;
- Planning and conducting laboratory research;
- Safe working practices with genetically modified organisms (GMOs);
- Identify good experimental design principles and the concept of the current working model;
- Appreciate the importance of detailed and accurate laboratory records and labelling.

Syllabus

The module provides:
This module will provide core practical skills to support the study of biology and genetics. This will include an introduction to good laboratory practice, including working with solutions, record keeping and health and safety considerations. Core skills training and experience will be provided for essential techniques including the use of balances, incubators, centrifuges, which will include analytical biochemistry, protein purification, quantitative enzyme activity assays, semi-quantitative immunodetection based analysis (ELISA) and plasmid DNA via restriction analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis. Qualitative microscopy on single cells and insects introduces students to comparative descriptive work. In the second semester, we will cover Mendelian segregation in plants. Molecular skills will be provided through experience of DNA isolation, restriction analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis and recombinant DNA technology (molecular cloning). Students will analyse purified DNA by PCR for the detection of transgenes. PCR will also be used to track a mutant allele linked to a CAPS marker (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence). This will allow students to predict disease pre-disposition in a family. In the final practical students will learn cytological methods to identify genetic disease.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	16	1.00	16.00
Practicals	14	3.00	42.00
Private study hours			142.00
Total Contact hours			58.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative in-course assessments will be held in weeks 5 and 9 in semester 1. Specific feedback will be provided on-line for each assessment to highlight class weaknesses and strengths. Feedback is provided by staff and demonstrators during the practical. Feedback for the MCQ-assessed practicals is provided online. The practical report is annotated and returned to students.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	In-course practical exam	25.00
Report	Lab report 1000 words	25.00
In-course MCQ	online	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		75.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	1 hr	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		25.00

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

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:47:50

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