Module Information
Module Identifier
BR12210
Module Title
Molecular Laboratory Skills
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 6 x 1 hour tutorials not timetabled (6 hours) |
| Lecture | 1 x 1 hour introductory lecture (1 hour) |
| Practical | 4 x 4 hour practicals during the first teaching week of the semester (16 hours) |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Practical report/worksheet dossier. | 80% |
| Semester Assessment | Group poster. | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | CV assignment. | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Follow an experimental protocol
2. Record, interpret and report experimental data appropriately
3. Present data/concepts through a variety of media
4. Work effectively and responsibly as part of a team
5. Critically evaluate personal skills development
Brief description
A largely practical module. Students will undertake a series of linked experiments that will develop basic practical skills required for research in microbiology, biochemistry and/or genetics. Group working skills will be developed thorugh tutorials, which will also provide guidance in career planning, and presentation/interpretation of experimental data.
Content
Tutorials will provide subject specific skills development, and provide a venue for personal development, career planning and APPR, and the development and presentation of grouop work.
Experiments will be undertaken that demonstrate, for example:
The extraction of DNA from cells
The introduction of DNA into cells
Assays of gene function
Genetic inheritance
The relationship between genotype and phenotype
PCR for diagnostic and preparative purposes
Recombinant DNA technology
Cloning
DNA sequencing
Students will develop expertise in basic laboratory methods, for instance:
Use of a light microscope
Aseptic technique for safe handling of microorganisms
Use of a spectrophotometer
Culturing of microorganisms
Recording, interpretation and reporting of laboratory data
Experiments will be undertaken that demonstrate, for example:
The extraction of DNA from cells
The introduction of DNA into cells
Assays of gene function
Genetic inheritance
The relationship between genotype and phenotype
PCR for diagnostic and preparative purposes
Recombinant DNA technology
Cloning
DNA sequencing
Students will develop expertise in basic laboratory methods, for instance:
Use of a light microscope
Aseptic technique for safe handling of microorganisms
Use of a spectrophotometer
Culturing of microorganisms
Recording, interpretation and reporting of laboratory data
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Collection and scrutiny of data in terms of quality and quantity. Data interpretation. |
| Communication | Students will develop effective written communication skills in coursework preparation |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines. The directed study elements will provide opportunity for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences and identify their needs and barriers to learning. Students will be able to review and monitor their progress and plan for improvement of personal performance. |
| Information Technology | Accessing the web for information sources and using databases to find primary literature. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Through tutorials, students will engage with APPR and have discussions centering on career planning and personal development. CVs will be developed through tutorials. |
| Problem solving | Practical classes will allow students to gain experience in designing, executing and interpreting data |
| Research skills | Practical classes will allow the development of key biological research skills at an early stage of their academic careers. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to biochemistry, genetics and microbiology will be developed. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of laboratory experimentation, and utilise common lab methods appropriately. |
| Team work | Students will work in pairs/small groups during practical sessions. They will need to discuss their experimental design and work effectively as a small team in practical classes. Group will be undertaken by tutorial groups to produce a poster. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4