- UCAS course code
- N947
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
`Omic Technologies & Resources
Unit code | BIOL21152 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
'Omic Technologies and Resources will introduce a range of molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioinformatic techniques (e.g., gene cloning, engineering alterations in a gene, screening for genes, genome mapping, sequencing and editing projects), and illustrate how these can be, and have been, applied and adapted to answer major questions in the biological sciences and medical genetics.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Molecular Biology | BIOL10221 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Genome Maintenance & Regulation | BIOL21101 | Co-Requisite | Recommended |
BIOL21152 Pre- & Co-requisites are BIOL10221
Aims
This unit will introduce a range of molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioinformatic techniques and illustrate how these can be, and have been, applied and adapted to answer major questions in the biological sciences and medical genetics. Using a topical example-driven approach - including human, animal, plant and micro-organismal - students will be exposed to a number of the important techniques that underpin many of the recent advances in understanding biological systems at the molecular level. Examples will be used to explain the step change that occurs between the analysis of single genes, proteins etc. and the analysis of most, or all, of the genes, proteins and metabolites within an organism. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the cross-talk and interactions that occur between different genes and gene products.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will gain an understanding of:
- Gene cloning, engineering alterations in a gene, screening for genes.
- Genome mapping and sequencing projects.
- Manipulating DNA in vitro and genomes in vivo.
- Transcriptomics approaches.
- How proteins can be made and manipulated.
- Using single-celled organisms, plants and animals as experimental models.
- Dealing with large-scale datasets generated from ’omic scale experiments.
Syllabus
- Analysis of individual genes
- Analysis of genomes (transcriptomics)
- Understanding gene function (proteomics)
- Analysis of small molecules (metabolomics)
- Understanding the integration of the above (systems biology)
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Online exercises require students to analyse data and experimental results.
- Oral communication
- Students encouraged to answer questions during lectures.
- Problem solving
- Online exercises require students to read and research around the lecture material.
- Research
- Online exercises require background reading and the understanding of some primary literature.
- Written communication
- Students participate in a practice examination-style essay which is marked by staff and detailed comments are returned.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 20% |
Written exam | 80% |
The written exam is one problem-based question (50% of exam) and one essay from a choice (50% of exam). Weekly online multiple choice exercises make up 20% of the overall mark.
Feedback methods
Students will receive feedback via the Blackboard module for this unit, which forms part of the continuous assessment of the unit. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to receive written feedback on an examination-style essay and a series of examination-style short-answer questions.
Recommended reading
- Brown, TA (2017) Genomes (4th edition). Garland Science - recommended
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 22 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 76 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Sam Griffiths-Jones | Unit coordinator |