Molecular Biological Laboratory Skills
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS3037 | Biosciences | 3 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BIOS3037
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The course will begin with the introduction and overview of the course including recombinant DNA technology for the cloning, expression, and purification of Insulin. They will start with cloning insulin gene in an expression vector using gene cloning. Students will get hands on experience in plasmid DNA isolation, Gateway cloning, agarose gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation.
In the following weeks, students will validate their cloning through colony PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Successful colonies will then be used for extraction of the recombinant plasmid DNA containing insulin gene. This plasmid will then be transformed into E. coli expression strain and expression of the insulin gene will be checked by Reverse Transcription-PCR. Successful clones will then be used for insulin purification using affinity chromatography. The purified insulin will be analysed by SDS Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by western-immuno detection.
Later in the course students will learn about Advance Molecular Techniques in gene expression -Reporter Genes and in situ immunolocalization and will also learn about Advance Analytical Techniques HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and GC (Gas Chromatography) that can be used to detect a wide range of metabolites.
Students will also learn about analytical techniques such as HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and GC (Gas Chromatography) that can be used to detect a wide range of metabolites.
Besides, students will be exposed to the rapidly evolving area of bioinformatics and will get hands on experience of searching DNA (sequence) and RNA (expression) databases relevant to animals and other organisms.
Student will also get an overview of genome-wide methods of investigating gene expression including transcriptomics (genome-wide analysis of RNA) and proteomics (genome-wide analysis of proteins).
Target Students
Natural Sciences Students - this is intended as a compulsory module for Natural Science students pursuing the Biological Sciences route and Year 4 MSci Biotechnology students.
Classes
- One 3-hour tutorial each week for 3 weeks
- One 3-hour practicum each week for 11 weeks
- One 3-hour computing
Ten weekly 3-hour practical classes (30 hours), coursework (20 hours) and revision (25 hours).
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: Lab Report and Questionnaire - 1500 words
- 40% Exam 1 (2-hour): ExamSys exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This is a mini project basedpractical module that not only aims to provide underlying principles of key techniques in molecular biology but also enables students to get hands-on experience in a wide range of molecular techniques. In addition, students will learn key skills in Bioinformatics and will also be exposed to a few key analytical techniques.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge of a wide range of molecular techniques.
- Recognise the importance of experimental design and having appropriate controls.
- Analyse and record data by making accurate observations and measurements.
- Work safely in the laboratory and respond appropriately to relevant safety issues.
- Evaluate new techniques in molecular biology.