CMB2001 : Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Simon Whitehall
- Lecturer: Professor Neil Perkins, Dr Nick Watkins
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To develop knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms by which eukaryotes regulate gene expression through control of transcription, chromatin, mRNA stability and translation.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module introduces the basics of gene structure and transcription in eukaryotes; the role of, promoters, polymerases, and transcription factors and the regulation of their interaction with DNA. The structure of chromatin will be covered and the key role played by chromatin modifying enzymes in the regulation of transcription will be discussed. The mechanisms by which the activity of key human transcription factors is controlled in response to stress and infection will also be covered. The lectures provide an introduction to mRNA splicing and will also describe how regulation of mRNA stability can contribute to control of gene expression in eukaryotes. Because ultimately proteins are usually the final gene product, it is not surprising that translation, the last step in protein synthesis, is under precise cellular control. The lectures will therefore describe eukaryotic translation and the mechanisms by which it is regulated
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | NonSynchronous online |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Data Interpretation Problem Solving Exercise |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 87 | 1:00 | 87:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | 2 synchronous online 1 hr sessions. These will support the in course data interpretation exercise. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Non-synchronous online sessions are used to impart information in a concise manner, to highlight areas of importance (K1, K2, K4-K10) and to integrate with directed reading and self-directed study. Synchronous online sessions are used for developing skills of data interpretation (K3, S1) and problem solving. Private study is used for self-directed learning including further reading (S2) and preparation for the formative in course exercise and for examinations.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 75 | 1 | A | 100 | Online timed computer based exam (remote) MCQ/Quiz (via Canvas). At least 20% marks will involve data interpretation. |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMN2001 | Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression | 1 | Sister module delivered at NuMed. To be timetable at 9:30 am and not on a Friday. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Online 24 hour take home paper. Data interpretation. 60 mins |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The final examination tests knowledge, understanding and the ability to interpret data. The formative exercise will help students to assess their knowledge and understanding of the course materials and familiarise them with data interpretation questions.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CMB2001's Timetable