Module Catalogue 2024/25

BMN2001 : Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression

BMN2001 : Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Roshan Mascarenhas
  • Lecturer: Dr Nadine Nograles
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Malaysia
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
BMN1001Biochemistry
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To develop knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms by which eukaryotes regulate gene expression through control of transcription, chromatin, mRNA stability and translation.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module introduces the basics of gene structure and transcription in eukaryotes; the role of, promoters, polymerases, and transcription factors and the regulation of their interaction with DNA. The structure of chromatin will be covered and the key role played by chromatin modifying enzymes in the regulation of transcription will be discussed. The mechanisms by which the activity of key human transcription factors is controlled in response to stress and infection will also be covered. The lectures provide an introduction to mRNA splicing and will also describe how regulation of mRNA stability can contribute to control of gene expression in eukaryotes. Because ultimately proteins are usually the final gene product, it is not surprising that translation, the last step in protein synthesis, is under precise cellular control. The lectures will therefore describe eukaryotic translation and the mechanisms by which it is regulated

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

1.       Identify the components of the basal transcription machinery.

2.       Recall key feature of promoters, regulatory sequences and transcriptional activators

3.       Interpret data relating to the study of gene expression.

4.       Identify the components of chromatin and recall the mechanism by which it is regulated

5.       Recall the roles of key human transcription factors (p53, NF-kappaB and HIF) in response to stress and infection.

6.       Order the key steps relating to the processing and maturation of mRNA transcripts

7.       Distinguish between the various post-transcriptional controls of gene expression.

8.       Compare and contrast the mechanisms that regulate mRNA stability and RNA degradation.

9.       Recall the functions of microRNAs and RNAi.

10.       Relate the features of eukaryotic translation and the mechanisms by which it is regulated.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

•       Interpret data relating to the use of reporters, gel retardation assays and in vitro
transcription assays in studies of gene expression.

•       Locate and use sources of information relating to eukaryotic gene expression.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Data Interpretation Problem Solving Exercise
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture101:0010:00In person lectures
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading871:0087:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching21:002:00In person 2x1 hr sessions to support the in-course data interpretation exercise
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to impart information in a concise manner, to highlight areas of importance (K1, K2, K4-K10) and to integrate with directed reading and self-directed study. Synchronous online sessions are used for developing skills of data interpretation (K3, S1) and problem solving. Private study is used for self-directed learning including further reading (S2) and preparation for the formative in course exercise and for examinations.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination751A100In person Inspera Invigilated: Quiz format questions (max 70 questions in total). At least 20% marks will involve data interpretation.
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression1Sister module delivered at Newcastle University. To be timetable at 9:30 am and not on a Friday.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Prob solv exercises1MOnline 24 hour take home exercise. Data interpretation questions. Expected completion time 60 mins
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The final examination tests knowledge, understanding and the ability to interpret data. The formative MCQ questions will help students to assess their knowledge and understanding of the course materials and familiarise them with data interpretation questions.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.