Course unit details:
Molecular and Cellular Biology EDM

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL21041
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by School of Biological Sciences
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

In your Experimental Design Module (EDM) you will participate in practical sessions undertaking widely used modern laboratory techniques. You will develop both your laboratory and your data handling skills in preparation for your Research Skills Module in the next semester. Sessions will cover PCR, sequencing, protein analysis, bioinformatics, signalling pathways, the sub-cellular relocalisation of protein, Neurospora genetics and gene silencing.

Aims

Experimental Design Modules (EDMs) aim to equip students with the skills necessary to become proficient in a number of laboratory techniques that are carried out routinely in modern laboratories. EDMs place an emphasis on the design and interpretation of experiments, building the expertise and knowledge that will be required to undertake the appropriate Research Skills Modules offered in the second semester.

Learning outcomes

This unit will allow students to become proficient in making experimental choices enabling them to make amendments to technical protocols, analysing and critiquing research papers appropriate to the practical and using specialised laboratory equipment and procedures required to obtain data. Many practicals will consist of an element of data handling techniques, including statistical analysis and appropriate presentation of results.

Syllabus

Syllabus

•       Recombination and segregation events during meiosis.

·            •       Post-transcriptional gene silencing pathways/Generating knockout cell linesSignalling Pathways/ Sub-                                     Cellular Protein Relocalisation I.

•       Signalling Pathways/ Sub-Cellular Protein Relocalisation II.

•       Signalling Pathways/ Sub-Cellular Protein Relocalisation III.

•       Bioinformatics-viral outbreak.

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Students develop analytical and problem-solving skills in order to fulfil the experimental design aspects of each practical.
Group/team working
Many experiments require an element of group work. Most practicals involve students working in pairs.
Innovation/creativity
Designing experimental methodology.
Project management
Project management skills are developed throughout this unit.
Problem solving
As above
Research
Research skills are developed throughout this unit.
Written communication
Practical write-up of one practical.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 10%
Written assignment (inc essay) 20%
Practical skills assessment 70%

Post Lab assessments 70%, Write up 20%, Attendance 10%

Feedback methods

During the practical sessions, there will be many opportunities to get immediate feedback from staff and demonstrators. Feedback sessions will be given as separate one hour lectures. Individual feedback on laboratory reports will be provided by your academic advisor.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 6
Practical classes & workshops 36
Independent study hours
Independent study 56

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Shiu-Wan Chan Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £38,000 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Tuition fees are considerably lower for your placement year. Please see the fees page for full details.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the UK's Turing scheme depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.

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