BIC2000 : Biochemistry of Gene Expression (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Claudia Schneider
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Shiney Mathew
- Lecturer: Dr Jeremy Brown
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aims of this module are:
Develop an appreciation of the biochemistry of core aspects of gene expression and its regulation at various levels.
Introduce students to original literature associated with the field.
Develop core skills including data interpretation and exam essay skills.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics will be:
RNA transcription and processing (including splicing, modification and nuclear export), quality control and turnover.
Mechanisms and regulation of protein synthesis.
Non-coding RNAs and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs).
Human diseases caused by defects in RNA biology.
RNA-based therapeutics.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Assessment preparation and completion, and skills practice |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Core module knowledge lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Skills workshop (PC cluster) and information on in course Assessment, in person. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 167 | 1:00 | 167:00 | Directed research and reading, reflective learning activity and student-led group activity. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Research seminar |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures are formal taught sessions to the whole cohort which consist largely of the exposition of theory, themes, and methodologies forming the basis of a student’s understanding of the subject. They introduce the material on the course and deliver the bulk of the key knowledge required, so that students can meet the learning outcomes.
The research seminar will expand on the material presented in the lectures and will also provide students with the opportunity to practise their critical and analytical skills. It will further encourage contextualisation of taught material through discussion, Q&As, data interpretation and problem-solving.
The workshop will provide skills training and assessment guidance. Specifically, an interactive 2-hour workshop in the PC cluster will inform the use of various databases to collate and connect the roles of selected protein factors in diverse aspects of RNA biology and gene expression. This will also train the students to visualise these connections in a pictorial form, which will form the basis for the in-course assessment (together with a lay abstract).
The workshop fosters active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. It bridges theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on activities, enhancing understanding and retention while developing teamwork and communication skills.
The computational-based practical exercise included in the workshop will provide experience in a range of computational techniques to collect, record and analyse data. This practical will enable students to problem-solve with real-world data, reinforcing theoretical concepts – and will prepare them for the professional skills assessment.
Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references.
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 | 60 | Invigilated closed book exam (2 essays from choice of 4) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 40 | “Graphical visualisation” (1 slide) with Lay abstract (200 words) explaining the role(s) of a given protein factor in RNA biology and gene expression. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam essays assess each student’s knowledge base, comprehension and ability to discuss the subject critically.
The professional skills assessment is designed to test the student’s ability to distil key knowledge from publicly available databases into both pictorial (graphical abstract, 1 slide) and written (lay abstract, 200 words) form.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIC2000's Timetable