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PHA-20028 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

PHA-20028 - Molecular Biotechnology
Coordinator: David Mottershead Room: HORBM2.32 Tel: +44 1782 7 34764
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2023/24


Aims
This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge of the molecular tools used for the purpose of the recombinant production of proteins and to build on this to describe some of the ways in which these tools are used in Molecular Biotechnology. The module includes practical manipulation of DNA and the use of techniques such as DNA cloning and polymerase chain reaction which play key roles in modern molecular biology.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/pha-20028/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the principles and significance of the cloning of nucleic acid sequences, the basis of recombinant DNA technology.: 1,2
Explain the principles of the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing as they pertain to the cloning of DNA fragments.: 2
Compare and contrast the strategies and techniques used for the expression of recombinant proteins in the biotechnology field and in the analysis of gene function.: 1,2
Describe the approaches to and motivation behind efforts to engineer proteins via the use of recombinant DNA technology.: 1
Locate and retrieve information from the scientific literature in the molecular biotechnology area.: 1

Study hours

8 x 3 hr labs = 24 hrs
10 lectures = 10 hrs
Discussion with students (and formative session) 2 hrs
Workshops (intro to the lab session) = 4 hours
Independent study hours: 110 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 70%
Cloning/Expression Strategy Report
A report (3000 words) detailing the strategy to clone a DNA sequence for an indicated target protein (suggest vector, restriction enzymes, cloning strategy), achieve the production of the protein and purify the protein (based on the incorporation of an appropriate tag). Basic analysis to confirm production and purification of the protein to be included (description of bioassay not required).

2: Presentation weighted 30%
Individual presentation + questions
An oral presentation of the students cloning/expression project which was the basis for their report, will enable the questioning of the student and enable them to justify their choices orally. This will be an individual assessment lasting approximately 20 minutes in duration, consisting of 15 min presentation and 5 min questions.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024