| CODE | PHB1501 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Applied Molecular Bioscience 1: DNA Technology | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physiology and Biochemistry | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit focuses on the biochemical mechanisms that determine and regulate metabolism of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Using a number of selected examples this study-unit explains how information regarding the structure and metabolism of nucleic acids is used to design drugs such as chemotherapeutic agents, antiviral agents and antibiotics. Emphasis is given to the understanding of how knowledge of biological systems is applied to the development of new technologies such as DNA sequencing. Knowledge of cellular processes is also applied to experimental design and data analysis. The practical component provides a hands-on experience to aspects of recombinant DNA technology which the basis of biotechnology. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit aims to teach students about: - The structure of DNA in the context of its function; - To develop an understanding of DNA metabolism; - DNA biochemistry with relation to the development of therapeutic drugs; - The effect of mutagens to DNA damage; - The DNA repair mechanisms prevent the accumulation of mutations; and - The underlying principles of selected DNA technology applications. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Outline the molecular metabolism of DNA; - Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes; - Describe the mechanism of DNA synthesis; - Compare and contrast different DNA sequencing technologies; - Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and applications of the polymerase chain reaction; - Discuss how mutagens cause DNA mutations; - Describe the principles of in vitro mutagenesis; and - Describe the mechanisms that repair damaged DNA and their relevance to disease. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Design a scientific experiment; - Analyse data and troubleshoot results; - Design PCR primers; - Plan a polymerase chain reaction; - Perform a polymerase chain reaction; - Design a cloning experiment; - Interpret DNA sequencing data; - Extract DNA; - Quantify DNA; - Visualize and manipulate DNA; and - Separate molecules by electrophoresis. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Text: Nelson, D. L. and Cox, M. M.. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 6th edition. New York, Worth Publishers. 2013. Supplementary Reading: Watson, D. J., Baker, T, A., Gann, A., Levine, M. and Losick, R. Molecular Biology of the Gene. 7th edition. New York: Cold Spring Harbor Press. 2013. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study, Practical & Seminar | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Gary J. Hunter Therese Hunter (Co-ord.) Joanna Vella Marita Vella |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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