Module Details

Module Code: ZBIO C3100
Module Title: Molecular Biology and Immunology 1
Title: Molecular Biology and Immunology 1
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Ann-Marie Enright
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of molecular biology, bioinformatics, medical microbiology and immunology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain and illustrate the molecular processes of DNA replication and information flow and relate these to biotechnological processes.
LO2 Discuss the role of biotechnology in medicine, industry and the environment including limitations, hazards and risks.
LO3 Outline and carry out the main molecular methods used in DNA technology. Apply practical skills in the molecular biology and medical microbiology laboratory with respect to CGLP, health and safety, problem solving, team work, efficient record keeping and timely submission of reports
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
1. Molecular Biology:
Regulation of enzyme activity: product inhibition, feedback inhibition, covalent modification. Regulation of enzyme synthesis: DNA Binding Proteins. Regulation of Transcription: induction and repression, negative and positive control, attenuation. Global control: catabolite repression. Signal Transduction and Two-Component Regulatory Systems. Horizontal gene transfer and its clinical and environmental implications. DNA replication. The genetic code RNA transcription, editing and translation. Basic introduction to bioinformatics. Introduction to basic recombinant DNA technology methods: restriction enzyme technology, cloning, expression systems, PCR, DNA sequencing. Overview of GMOs: categorization, risks and containment. Examples and case studies of applications of molecular biology in biotechnology: enzymes, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, environmental biotechnology.
Practical
Practical classes will develop skills including: The manipulation and handling of recombinant organisms and molecules with emphasis to CGLP and health and safety, monitoring, recording and analysing experimental data in molecular biology, operating the range of instrumentation specified safely and effectively in the laboratory, effective group work and good written and oral communication skills, safety in the molecular biology lab, specific hazards and risks, waste disposal of EtBr, UV visualisation, DNA isolation, DNA quantification and visualisation, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion of DNA and cloning, transformation of cells with recombinant DNA molecules, DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction, demonstration of the effects of heat and pH on DNA, detection of endotoxins, the LAL test, production of pyrogen-free water, basic serological techniques, agglutination reactions, ELISA testing. The application of bioinformatics to discover variability in sequences and trace the effects of molecular evolution in related genes and proteins.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
Practical60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 40
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 3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Performance in Lab class/practicals and practical reports or assignments
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.
Reassessment Description
Exam Board

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 2.00 24
Laboratory Contact Practical class 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 12 Weeks per Stage 6.42 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Madigan, MT, Martinko, JM, Bender, KS, Buckley DM, and Brock, T. (2014), Brock’s Biology of Microorgansms, Prentice Hall.
  • Brown TA. (2016), Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis, 7. Wiley Blackwell.
  • Coirco, R, Sunshine, G and Benjamini, E. (2003), Immunology - a short course, Wiley.
  • Brown TA. (2006), Genomics, 3rd Ed. Garland Science.
  • Goldsby, RA, Kindt, TJ, Osborne, BA, and Kuby, J.. (2006), Immunology, 5th. W.H. Freeman.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: