| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
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Newcastle University is a world leader in Engineering Biology through Microbial Ecology. The purpose of this course is to get the latest generation of tools in molecular microbial ecology into the hands of engineers. Molecular microbial ecology has the power to revolutionise our ability to monitor and design microbial methods. Moreover the costs of the associated sequencing technology are dropping exponentially. This course will give students an understanding of how the tools work, their advantages and disadvantages and, crucially, how they can be used in design and monitoring. The students will get hands on experience with classical molecular methods such as fluorescent in situ hybridisation ( FISH), quantitative PCR (QPCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) AND next generation sequencing technologies (454 sequencing) including crucial data de-noising and analysis.
• Core concepts: ecology phylogeny, biochemical tools
• Core technologies: FISH, DGGE, QPCR, 454 sequencing
• Wet Lab session: FISH, DGGE, QPCR, 454 sequencing
• Data Analysis: 454 denoising, bionumerics, relevant statistics
• Application: trouble shooting
• Application: Ecological theory and design
At the end of the module students should be able to understand how conceptual background and basis for the tools and their applications in engineered biological systems for monitoring and design be they based in monitoring or design.
At the end of the module students should be able to: quantify specific microbial communities in treatment plants using FISH or QPCR, prepare and analyse a DGGE gel. They will be able to extract nucleic acid and despatch for 454 sequencing retrieve, denoise and analyse the results. The will be able to relate the results to operation and design based ecological theory.
| Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 0:30 | 7:30 | Revision for exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:30 | 10:30 | Coursework - synthesis of all lab data |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:15 | 1:15 | Exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 3:00 | 15:00 | Hands-on laboratory practicals and data analysis practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:45 | 50:45 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material |
| Total | 100:00 |
The lectures provide the basis of the knowledge outcomes and background to the skills outcomes. The practicals provide the key training of laboratory skills that are central to this module.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 75 | 2 | A | 50 | Unseen written examination |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 50 | A synthesis of all the laboratory data (approx. 1500 words). |
The exam will assess students' grasp of theory (knowledge outcomes) and the practical their ability to undertake and use the analysis (skills outcomes).
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Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.