University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: USSJH7-20-M Title: Practical Skills in Genomics Research Version: 2

Level: M UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: PROJECT

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Natural and Life Sciences

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to;

• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of both the theoretical principles and applications of advanced molecular biology techniques;

• demonstrate familiarity with a range of molecular biology techniques;

• be familiar with the operation and uses of advanced equipment;

• demonstrate an understanding of some of the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each technique;

• gain experience in critical analysis of experimental data;

• gain experience in presentation of experimental data.

Syllabus outline:

The module will run as extended practical classes with supported tutorial sessions. It will consist of practical work that will involve a number of molecular genetic techniques including DNA isolation, gene cloning, PCR, protein expression, and bioinformatic analysis of sequence data. There will also be demonstrations of other technologies carried out in the Bristol Genomic Research Institute such as microarrays, 2D gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and Mass Spectrometry protein analysis.

Teaching and learning methods:

The students will have hands-on experience using state of the art equipment. Practical sessions will consist of a series of experimental procedures for the students to perform, analysis of the results and production of a written report. There will also be demonstrations of other molecular biology techniques from which the students will receive data for analysis.

It will be a prerequisite for the student to have attended the practical sessions in order for them to submit the practical portfolio.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative Reading List:

• Brown TA. Genomes 3. 2006. Bios.

• Primrose SB & Twyman RM. Principles of Genome Analysis & Genomics. 2003. Blackwell.

• Brown TA. Gene Cloning and Gene Analysis (5th edn.) 2006. Blackwell Science.

• Lesh AM. Introduction to Protein Science. 2004. Oxford.

• Selected articles from relevant journals.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (controlled)

Description of each element

Element weighting

PORT1 Practical Portfolio (part 1) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

PORT2 Practical Portfolio (part 2) 1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

PORT1 Practical Portfolio (part 1) 1

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

PORT2 Practical Portfolio (part 2) 1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

Academic Registry

October 2005