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LSC-20125 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

LSC-20125 - Molecular Ecology and Plant Genetics
Coordinator: Thomas Torode
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Advances in molecular biology, analysis and sharing of genomic data have important applications in the plant, ecological and conservation sciences. You will study how genetic and genomic tools, both in the lab and at the desktop, are being used to enhance our understanding of plant biology and ecological processes. The module will help you to think in a ‘genes to ecosystems’ framework and prepare you for careers in a big data, post-genomic world. Assessments will involve using free online bioinformatics tools to answer a range of questions and producing a research report based on a small team mini-project exploring the impact of ecological variables on plant molecular biology.

Aims
In this module you will build on the knowledge and skills learnt in LSC-20131 Applications of Molecular Biology and apply them to ecological, conservational and plant sustainability contexts. Modern research in these fields often incorporates molecular and bioinformatic approaches

Intended Learning Outcomes

Evaluate the application of the tools of molecular biology and bioinformatics in modern ecological and conservation sciences: 1
Describe principles of plant genetics and discuss how challenges in the plant sciences can be approached at the gene-level: 1,2
Communicate the outcomes of a mini-project that uses a molecular approach to explore the impact of ecological variables on aspects of plant biology as a written laboratory report: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
24 hours lectures, tutorials and workshops
12 hours engagement with asynchronous content
Independent study:
20 hours workbook assessment completion
24 hours research proposal completion
70 hours independent study

School Rules

Students must also take LSC-20131 Applications of Molecular Biology

Description of Module Assessment

1: Workbook weighted 40%
Bioinformatics workbook
A series of problem-based questions requiring the use of a range of free online bioinformatic tools. Questions will be set on the KLE, answers will be in the form or short & long (up to 200 words) answers, pasting in gene or protein sequences, figures and calculations.

2: Laboratory Report weighted 60%
Research report (1500 words)
Students will work in small groups (4-5 students), to complete a mini-project that uses a molecular approach to explore the impact of a range of ecological variables on aspects of plant biology. The mini-project will take place over several weeks during the module. Lectures and workshops will run in parallel to cover the associated theory and skills. The research will then be written up as an independent scientific report, with a word count of 1500 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026