CEG8109 : Engineering Biology through Molecular Microbial Ecology (Inactive)
CEG8109 : Engineering Biology through Molecular Microbial Ecology (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Russell Davenport
- Lecturer: Professor Thomas Curtis, Prof. David Graham, Prof. Neil Gray
- Other Staff: Dr Matthew Wade, Dr Paola Meynet
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
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.
Outline Of Syllabus
• 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
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
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.
Intended Skill Outcomes
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Lectures |
| 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 | 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 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
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.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Unseen written examination |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 50 | A synthesis of all the laboratory data (approx. 1500 words). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam will assess students' grasp of theory (knowledge outcomes) and the practical their ability to undertake and use the analysis (skills outcomes).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8109's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CEG8109's 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.