2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL2110 The Power of Bacterial Genomics

10 creditsClass Size: 165

Module manager: Dr Kenneth McDowall
Email: k.j.mcdowall@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

Module replaces

BLGY2172, Prokaryotic Genetics, Genomics and Gene Expression

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will remind students of the basics of gene structure, expression and regulation before describing the annotation of genomes, their comparison and functional study. Pathogens and pathogenicity will provide the major examples. This will lead to a description of mobile genetic elements, which genome sequencing has confirmed mediate extensive horizontal gene transfer, a major factor in the evolution of bacteria. The module will also cover other major aspects of genome-based sciences, the building of models of gene function at the level of the whole cell (System Biology), the mining and directed evolution of genes and entire genomes, and the generation of synthetic pathways and even entire organisms (Synthetic Biology). Students should note that they will be given sight of exam questions that require essay-type answers. Each of the main topics that cover this module (see below) will be represented by a single question. However, only one of these seen questions will appear in the final exam, and the identity of this question will be disclosed only at the time of the exam. This approach to assessment is intended to encourage breadth as well as depth in reading and thinking.

Objectives

The major objective of this module is to impart intermediate knowledge and understanding of five main topics and their integration:
- Comparative genomics,
- Functional genomics,
- Bacterial evolution,
- Synthetic biology &
- Systems biology.
Each of these areas is expanding rapidly and is making an important contribution to our overall understanding of molecular and cellular biology, microbiology and genetics, as such they also impact more applied fields such as biotechnology.
This module provides a route to more advanced and specialised teaching in Level 3, e.g. Advanced Topic Units in Molecular and Cellular Systems Biology, Directed evolution, RNA therapeutics, and Synthetic biology.

Learning outcomes
Student should have developed intermediate knowledge and understanding of the main topics that is integrative, coherent, current, example-based, and extends beyond lecture material and recommended reading.

Moreover students should have practised and improved their ability to express their ideas, knowledge and understanding in writing, using illustrative material as appropriate.

As with other modules delivered via reading and lectures, student should have further developed their skills in note taking, searching the primary literature, investigative reading, recalling and retrieving information, drawing together relevant information, and assessment preparation.

Syllabus

- Gene prediction, annotation and curation
- Comparative genomics
- Functional genomics
- Horizontal gene transfer, mobile genetic elements and bacterial evolution
- A systems biology view of regulatory networks
- The minimum genome and synthetic biology
- Beyond the organism; ‘meta’ approaches

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Drop-in Session	2	1.00	2.00
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Private study hours			83.00
Total Contact hours			17.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Reviewing of lecture material 25 hours,
Reading and preparation of 5 x mini-reviews (‘seen’ questions) 45 hours,
completion of formative assessment 3 hours,
preparation for exam 10 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

MCQ (that includes problem solving): 1 x formative
Students will be given sight of questions that cover each of the main topics within this module. They will be encouraged to think deeply about these questions and prepare answers during their private study.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	1 x formative MRQ	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		0.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Exam with advance information on questions	2 hr	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Unseen MCQs and 1 of 5 seen essay questions.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/08/2015

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