modules
Modules
BIO2031 : Methods in Biotechnology: Principles and Theory
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Martin Edwards
- Lecturer: Dr Timothy Boswell, Dr Jon Marles-Wright, Dr Thomas Howard, Professor Angharad MR Gatehouse, Dr Maxim Kapralov
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To inform students about the technology that is currently used in the analysis and engineering of genes in this sector. Also to introduce the principles of allied technologies (proteomics, transcriptomics, and cell culture) and expose students to industry through a site visit and an introduction to intellectual property.
The module, along with others, provides students with the appropriate underpinning theoretical knowledge for the final year biotechnological modules and projects offered by the School.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module introduces the technology currently used in the analysis and engineering of genes. It also introduces the principles of allied technologies (proteomics, transcriptomics, and cell culture) and exposes students to industry through a site visit to a biotech company and provides and introduction to the use of model-guided design for experimentation in biotechnology
1. How to clone a bacterial gene.
2. How to isolate a cDNA encoding a specific protein.
3. DNA sequencing.
4. Protein engineering.
5. High-level regulated expression of heterologous genes in microbial systems (E. coli, P. pastoris).
6. Genome editing.
7. Creation of transgenic plants, animals and microorganisms; introduction to applications of the technology in medicine, agriculture and industry.
8. Outlines of proteomics, transcriptomics.
9. Outline of plant and animal cell culture.
10. Introduction to model-guided design for biotechnology.
11. Site visit to Centre for Product Innovation (CPI), Redcar.
12. Revision sessions/Exam surgeries.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Revision sessions / exam surgeries |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Final exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Revision for final exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 9 | 0:30 | 4:30 | Reflective blog |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 30 | 1:30 | 45:00 | Directed reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Lecture, field work and revision session follow up |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures provide factual material; the revision seminars/exam surgeries provide periods to discuss topics in greater detail; the field trip exposes the students to a biotechnological company, to their industrial site, and to explanations of their purposes and methods.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | N/A |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2030 | Methods in Biotechnology: Principles, Theory and Practice | 2 | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam is designed to test understanding, synthesis and analysis, and retention of the important concepts of recombinant DNA technology.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BIO2031's Timetable