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

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

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

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

The manipulation of the genetic material, DNA, using techniques developed in the past 30-40 years, has transformed virtually the whole area of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. These techniques now allow us to study the structure and function of proteins, to design and produce modified proteins, and hence has given rise to the field of protein engineering. You will be learning the essential background knowledge of the molecular tools used for producing recombinant proteins. You will be involved in the purification of a model biologic agent, and the use of techniques such immobilised metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting.

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 purification of a biologic agent and characterization of such and the use of techniques such as SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting which play key roles in modern molecular biotechnology.

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
Explain the principles and use of immunodetection and related techniques for the identification and analysis of proteins: 1,2
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: 1,2

Study hours

Labs = 36 hrs
12 lectures = 12 hrs
Workshops = 2 hrs
Independent study hours including preparation for assessments = 98 hours
Exam = 2 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 70%
2 hour end of module examination
Examination containing short response questions i.e. VSAs. This exam will be closed book and in-situ.

2: Problem Sheets weighted 30%
Laboratory practical assessment
Laboratory work will be assessed through the use of online problem sheets submitted via the KLE one week after the laboratory classes

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