CSC8320 : Fundamentals of Cell and Molecular Biology
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ethan Hack
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To survey the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology and introduce key methods used in research on these subjects. This module is intended for students taking Masters-level courses who have not undertaken degree-level study of cell and molecular biology or who need to re-familiarise themselves with these topics.
Outline Of Syllabus
Introduction: genes and cells. Proteins: composition and structure.
Organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Protein synthesis: transcription and translation mechanisms. Principles of regulation of gene expression.
Genomes: prokaryotic, eukaryotic nuclear, mitochondrial, and plastid.
Essential techniques in molecular biology: DNA cloning, library screening, PCR, detection and measurement of gene expression, DNA sequencing.
Practicals: fundamentals of recombinant DNA technology.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Preparation for summative coursework assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Computer practical (asynchronous) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | PIP Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Completion of summative coursework assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | Prep for practicals; interpretation of practical results and completion of formative assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | PiP - laboratory practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 21:00 | 21:00 | Recommended reading and students' own follow-up |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Lecture material follow up: study of recordings and supplementary material (asynchronous) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | PiP - discussion linked to non-synchronous lecture materials to introduce module and contents |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The online lecture materials explain key concepts and provide illustrative examples, which are developed further through directed research and reading and independent study. The laboratory practical's give students hands-on experience with recombinant DNA technology. The computer practical introduces DNA sequence assembly and phylogenetic analysis.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 100 | Structured Questions - Limit 1500 words |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Questions linked to the practical's |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A structured set of questions assesses students’ understanding of and ability to apply concepts from the relevant subject material and ability to interpret data from experiments involving recombinant DNA technology. The formative questions linked to the practicals help students develop their awareness and understanding of the principles underlying these experiments
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8320's Timetable