Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS2008 | Biosciences | 2 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS2008
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The course will cover the major techniques required for analysis of gene expression including methods for gene sequence and transcriptional analysis. An in depth study of vectors and gene constructs will provide and understanding of the different strategies used in creating mutants and identifying gene function in bacteria. The coursework exercises are designed to illustrate the topics covered in the lecture course and will give students experience of experimental design and critical analysis of research data and an introduction to bioinformatics for the analysis of DNA and protein sequences.
Target Students
Only available for students studying UG Microbiology and UG/MSci Biotechnology or degrees with related content. Compulsory for students taking Honours degrees in Microbiology and UG/MSci Biotechnology.
Classes
- One 3-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: Data analysis and MCQ online
- 40% Exam 1 (2-hour): Written examination
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To introduce students to the principle's molecular methods of analysis of bacterial gene expression and give experience of the interpretation of data used to map genetic constructs. These provide a platform to allow further study of bacterial molecular genetics and their application in biotechnology in later courses.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1) Explain the mechanism of bacterial gene expression and the methods used to identify control points at the DNA, RNA and Protein levels.
2) Compare the differences between alternative methods for analysing specific macromolecules (e.g. DNA) and assess their appropriateness for particular applications.
3) Analyse raw data generated by a number of techniques used for gene analysis and interpret their meaning in context with given background information and effectively communicate these in written and verbal forms.
4) Manage and organise time efficiently and work to deadlines by using flexible and effective approaches to study.
5) Process, analyse and present data using a variety of bioinformatic techniques and packages.