CSC8320 : Fundamentals of Cell and Molecular Biology
- Offered for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Dr Emanuela Torelli
- 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.
• Organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Protein synthesis: transcription and translation mechanisms. Principles of regulation of gene
expression.
• Genomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Use of biological or synthetic DNA/RNA as building material to synthesize self-assembled
nanostructures. Origami technique: principles, design (main software available), synthesis,
characterization, imaging (eg. TEM and AFM) and related applications (in vitro and in vivo), such as
gene silencing.
• Essential techniques in molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, DNA/RNA purification,
DNA/RNA quantification, enzymatic digestions, agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
(native and denaturing conditions), in vitro transcription, DNA cloning, PCR and real-time
PCR, nucleic acids self-assembly, cell free extracts.
• Practicals: fundamentals of main synthetic biology techniques.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Completion of summative coursework assessment |
| 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 | Wet lab's practical |
| 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 | 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 | Discussion linked to non-synchronous lecture materials to introduce module and contents |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures 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 molecular/synthetic biology.
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. 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