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LSC-20131 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-20131 - Applications of Molecular Biology
Coordinator: Julianna Piat
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module explores how we can study and manipulate genetic material, from sequencing technologies to gene cloning and genetic engineering. You will learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as therapeutic drugs. Through tutorials and workshops, you will develop skills in introductory bioinformatic tools, whilst also considering some important ethical principles, developing key reasoning and analytical skills.

Aims
In this module you will learn how to manipulate genetic materials and explore applications that transformed our understanding of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology. You will also learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as therapeutic drugs. You will be introduced to bioinformatics tools and learn to design and analyse nucleic acid sequences. This module also aims to increase student confidence when discussing experimental design and reading protocols and methods sections of academic literature.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the principles and significance of nucleic acid replication, hybridisation and transcription: 1,2
Discuss the principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular cloning and DNA sequencing, and apply them to the analysis and manipulation of DNA: 1,2
Assess the strategies and techniques used in molecular cloning and their applications for modern biotechnology and medical purposes: 1,2
Evaluate current technologies for genome sequencing: 1,2
Analyse gene and protein sequences using common bioinformatics tools: 1
Discuss key ethical issues related to the use of DNA manipulation and their implications for the development of Genetically Modified Organisms: 2

Study hours

IN-SITU LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
18 hours live sessions (tutorials, discussions, workshops…)
4 x 2 hours IT workshops
ASYNCHRONOUS DIRECTED LEARNING:
10 x 4 hours engagement with asynchronous content (including consumption, wider reading and note taking)
INDEPENDENT STUDY & ASSESSMENT:
4 hours computer task assessment
80 hours independent study including preparation for formative test and final assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exercise weighted 40%
Computer task
This assessment is a computer task consisting of a mix of multiple choice questions, bioinformatics tasks and data analysis problems in the form of a blackboard test. Students will have a week to complete this exercise. The assessment will cover core material delivered within the first 6 weeks of the semester, including skills practiced during the IT workshops for this module. Practical lab sessions delivered as part of the LSC-20127 module will supplement the content delivered as part of this module.

2: Assignment weighted 60%
Protocol Comprehension Assignment
An assessment in which students will be asked to troubleshoot an experimental plan including a detailed protocol and some preliminary results. Students will be expected to identify and highlight incorrect experimental design and set-up, suggest an alternative approach as well as providing a comprehensive explanation for their proposed change to the protocol. The recommended maximum length for this assessment is 1000 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: 04 December 2025