School of Life Sciences  
 
 
LSC-20003 Gene and Protein Engineering  
Co-ordinator: Prof Gwyn Williams   Tel:33032  
Teaching Team: Mrs Janet  Norton, Mrs Deborah  Goodall Dr Sheila  Hope Miss Lynsey  Wheeldon Mrs Lisa  Smith Mrs Jennifer  Moran Dr Alan  Richardson Mrs Linda  Flynn Dr David  Watson Mrs Susan  Andrews,  Francesco  Michelangeli  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 734414
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
Satisfactory performance in Level 1 Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or Forensic Science Modules
Barred Combinations
Satisfactory performance in Level 1 Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or Forensic Science Modules
Description

This module covers one of the most exciting and innovative areas of
biochemistry and will acquaint students with the theory, techniques
and applications of genetic engineering. The course will describe
advanced techniques of gene structural analysis, cloning, and
expression in host organisms. The manipulation of gene and protein
sequences will be discussed, along with recent developments in
biotechnology and medical genetics.
Aims
The manipulation of the genetic material, DNA, using techniques developed in the past 20-30 years, has transformed virtually the whole range of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. These techniques now allow us to study the structure and activity of single genes, to design and produce novel DNA molecules and subsequently to produce novel gene products, ie. proteins. This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge of the molecular tools used for this purpose and to build on this to describe some of the ways in which these tools are used in Biochemistry, in other Biomedical Sciences, in Biotechnology, and in Forensic Science.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain the principles and significance of nucleic acid hybridisation and apply them to the manipulation of DNA and RNA in vitro. 3
Explain the principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), NDA sequencing and DNA fingerprinting and apply them to the analysis and manipulation of DNA. 1, 3
Describe the strategies and techniques used in cloning cDNA and genomic DNA and apply them to the expression of recombinant proteins in biotechnology and in the analysis of gene function. 3
Recognise and discuss key ethical issues related to the use of DNA manipulation and the information derived from it. 2
Describe the principles of the Human Genome Project, and apply this knowledge to areas of genomics and proteomics. 3
Be able to apply the polymerase chain reaction and related techniques to the manipulation of DNA in vitro. 1
Study hours
21 1-hour Lectures,
03 Hours Tutorials,
18 Hours (6 x 3-hour) Laboratory Practical Sessions,
30 Hours In-course assessment,
78 Hours Private study.
Description of Module Assessment
Formative assessment procedures:

Verbally within tutorials and laboratory classes.

Summative assessment procedures:

2-hour written examination (half multiple choice, half essay)- 75% of module assessment.
In-course assessment (laboratory practical report)- 25% of module assessment.
001: Report weighted 25%
Series of proformas, 1000 words
002: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 75%
Essay and MCQs - 2 hours
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.