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Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (BIOL0008)

Key information

Faculty
Faculty of Life Sciences
Teaching department
Division of Biosciences
Credit value
15
Restrictions
This module is a compulsory component of many specialised degree routes of the Biological Sciences Degree Programme. It is also offered to all other Biosciences degrees and to the Natural Sciences students on the GEE stream.
Timetable

Alternative credit options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

“Fundamentals of Molecular Biology” will explain the basic concepts, techniques and uses of modern molecular biology techniques. Practical sessions and associated tutorials will give "hands-on" experience of molecular techniques including electrophoresis, sequencing, cloning and the polymerase chain reaction. The course begins with lectures that introduce molecular biology concepts, or serve as a refresher for students who already have some experience. It then moves into a description of contemporary tools and then applications. Lecturers will explain some of the diverse applications of these techniques, with reference to their own research in fields including metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, cell and developmental biology and forensic anthropology.

Indicative lecture topics – based on module content in 2022/23

  • Introduction to DNA
  • Manipulating DNA
  • DNA analysis
  • Sequencing, and the polymerase chain reaction
  • DNA Cloning
  • Genetic modification andtransgenic organism generation
  • Gene therapy
  • Next generation sequencing
  • Post genomic technologies (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Mass spectroscopy)
  • Forward genetics and GWAS
  • Ancient DNA analysis
  • DNA and Ecological monitoring
  • Gene expression analysis in vivo
  • CRISPR

Learning Objectives

  • Give students a broad understanding of the principles and applications of modern molecular biological techniques.
  • Learn about the structure and properties of DNA, with an emphasis on the practical aspects of DNA manipulation.
  • Learn about the properties of the enzymes used in in vitro DNA manipulation and the properties of cloning vectors and the principles of gene library construction.
  • Learn about the fundamental techniques of molecular biology: electrophoresis, blotting, sequencing, cloning and the polymerase chain reaction. Practicals will give “hands-on” experience of these techniques.
  • Learn about a range of current applications of DNA technology, such as Next Generation Sequencing, to illustrate how the techniques can be applied in very diverse areas of biology, biotechnology, ecology, evolution and medicine.

Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year

Intended teaching term: Term 1 Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 5)

Teaching and assessment

Mode of study
In person
Methods of assessment
70% Exam
30% Fixed-time remote activity
Mark scheme
Numeric Marks

The methods of assessment for affiliate students may be different to those indicated above. Please contact the department for more information.

Other information

Number of students on module in previous year
79
Module leader
Professor Chris Thompson
Who to contact for more information
christopher.thompson@ucl.ac.uk

Last updated

This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.