Module Details

Module Code: ZSCI H4101
Module Title: Molecular Genetics and Immunology 1
Title: Molecular Genetics and Immunology 1
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Ann-Marie Enright
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to give students a functional competency in the theoretical knowledge and the methods of molecular genetics, biotechnology and immunology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe and discuss the basic techniques and applications of genetic engineering, molecular diagnostics and recombinant DNA technology and relate these to biotechnology research and development.
LO2 Outline fundamental principles of eukaryotic genetics at the molecular level, with special emphasis to human disease.
LO3 Discuss the role of safety in creation, handling, storage and disposal of genetically engineered microorganisms with respects to the legislation governing this sector.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Molecular Genetics
Nucleic Acid Technologies and Diagnostics: Gene Cloning Recombinant DNA technology. PCR. Cloning vectors. cDNA libraries. DNA sequencing. Clone identification using nucleic acid hybridization and gene probes. Southern blotting. DNA microarrays. Real time PCR. Protein engineering and biotechnology applications. Genomics: Structural genomics: Gene characterization. Genomics projects. Genome sequencing using mapping and direct shotgun approaches. Genetic markers; SNPs and Haplotypes. Functional genomics: Identifying genes in DNA sequences. Homology searches to assign gene function. Describing patterns of gene expression. Assigning Gene Function Experimentally; Gene knockout/knock down, Microarrays and RNA interference. Comparative genomics: case study genes as appropriate: HAR-1 gene, FOXP2 gene , ASPM gene, human frataxin, the globin gene family. Representaional oligonucleoide microarray analysis (ROMA). Genomics projects. The Human Genome Project. Bioethics and the Human Genome Project. Genes and Disease: Detection of genetic disorders using molecular diagnostics, Chromosomal aberrations. Genetically based enzyme deficiencies. Gene control of protein structure: sickle cell anaemia. Trinucleotide repeat expansions and human disease. Genes and cancer. Detection and isolation of genes causing disease, case study: the cystic fibrosis gene. Safety and the genetic manipulation of organisms: Categorisation and containment: naturally – occurring organisms and GMOs. Biohazard waste disposal. Genetically engineered products. Possible hazards from GMOs. Genetic traceability. Regulatory bodies and legislation.
Practical
Practical's will be delivered as tutorials focusing on problem solving and assisting the student in the interpretation and analysis of molecular data generated through modern molecular techniques including; qPCR, Microarray analysis, Southern hybridization analysis, Eliza, Restriction digests, Primer/probe design and optimization, Manipulation of raw sequence data via bioinformatic tools, Sequencing and DNA fingerprinting. Above techniques will be adopted and substituted as appropriate. In addition to the tutorials students will be asked to review, summarise and present key research papers and current developments in topics encountered during the course of study. Material and presentations generated will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
Practical60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 60
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical work sheets and paper reviews
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Laboratory Contact Practical and tutorial 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 6.42 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Terry. A. Brown. (2016), Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction, 7th Edition., Willey-Blackwell..
  • Tom Strachan, Andrew Read. (2011), Human Molecular Genetics,, 4. Garland Science.
  • 4. J. E. Krebs, B. Lewin, E. S. Goldstein, S. T. Kilpatrick. (2014), Genes IX, 11. Jones & Bartlett Publishers Inc.,, US.
  • Antony J.F. Griffiths, Susuan, R. Wessler, Richard C. Lewontin, Sean B. Carroll. (2015), Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 11. W. H. Freeman & Co Ltd.
  • Frederick M. Ausubel. Roger Brent, Robert E. Kingston, David D. Moore, J.G. Seidman, John A. Smith, Kevin Struhl. (2016), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Willey & Sons Inc.
  • William S. Klung, Michael R. Cummings, Scharlotte Spencer. (2016), Essentials of Genetics, 9th. Pearson higher Education.
  • Robert J. Brooker. (2014), Genetics - Analysis and Principles, 5th. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
  • Arthur Lesk. (2014), An Introduction to Bioinformatics, 4th. Oxford University Press.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: