Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

The unit aims to provide:

• An understanding of the fundamentals of the structure, function and regulation of expression of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes.
• An overview of the complexity and organisation of various types of DNA sequences and genes in eukaryotic genomes.
• An understanding of the instability of DNA, various types of DNA rearrangements and their significance to gene function, human genetics, functions of various cells and systems, diseases.
• An overview of the specialisation and complexity involved in eukaryotic gene regulation.
• An understanding of diversity of the genetic basis of various human diseases.
• An introduction to clinical genetics and genetic counselling, ethical considerations in biotechnology.
• An understanding of the applications of gene and protein analysis to gene discovery, disease prediction, detection and treatment, molecular medicine, gene therapy, the human genome project.
• Laboratory exercises that provide a greater understanding of gene and protein structure and function.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of the genetic material, various mechanisms of gene regulation and the instability and mutations in DNA and their effects on the structure and function of proteins.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the need for and use of the above information in biotechnology, particularly in relation to gene discovery, genetic basis of diseases, disease diagnosis, new types of disease treatments, forensic science, agricultural and industrial biotechnology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the linkage between the biochemical principles and the extension of these into developing new techniques for genetic analysis.
• Show an awareness of the need for critical thinking and the ethical, legal and social issues associated with some of the technology.
• Recognise the future trends in biotechnology.
• Recognise the opportunities for further study or employment in various fields utilising biotechnology, locally and abroad.
• Demonstrate hands-on practical skills in the above areas.
• Record scientific observations correctly, interpret these honestly and present the results in the form of formal laboratory reports.
• Work co-operatively.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, tutorials, web based unit presence.

Assessment:

Written assignment 10%, Final exam 50%, Practical reports 25%, Practical test 15%

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students are expected to enhance several of their graduate attributes during this unit and should consult with your lecturer if not clear as to how this unit achieves this. The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce students who:

Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas:

• Have a basic understanding of the theoretical principles involved in the study area.
• Have an in-depth technical competence in the specific (core) discipline.
• Can apply specific knowledge of the (core) discipline to real situations.
• Are able to engage in informed critical inquiry.
• Have a sense of social responsibility for subject knowledge and its applications.

Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community:

• Have the ability to critically understand innovations and developments.

Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations:

• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Are adaptable and manage change:

• Are self-motivated.
• Can understand problem identification, formulation and solution.

Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing:

• Have a basic understanding of the need to carry out work in an ethical and socially responsible fashion.

Content:

Overview of the structure of DNA and RNA, DNA replication, gene transcription, protein translation.

Gene structure and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes in bacteria, using the lac operon of E. coli as an example.

Composition of the eukaryotic genomes:

• Gene structure, its origin/evolution, mechanism of intron splicing, processing of mRNAs, mutations in genes and their effects, particularly in relation to human genetics diseases.
• Variable repetitive DNA sequences, VNTRs, microsatellites, applications of these in
  DNA typing, with particular reference to forensic science.
• Human genetic diseases associated with dynamic trinucleotide repeats.
• Multigene families encoding tRNAs, rRNAs, mRNAs.
• Telomere repeats, telomerase and its significance, applications of this information.

Rearrangements in and instability of eukaryotic genomes and the implications of these:

• Transposable genetic elements (transposons and retrotransposons), implications of their instability to gene function.
• Genetic recombinations in gene complexes encoding antibodies and their significance for the human immune system.
• Meiotic recombination, linkage studies and their significance to genetic studies.
• Faulty recombination and its implications to gene structure, function, genetics.
• A brief overview of gross chromosomal rearrangements and their effects, cancers.

Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes:

• Promoters, enhancers and other regulatory sequences of eukaryotic genes.
• Various transcription factors, motifs involved in interactions of these with promoters.
• Genomic imprinting, DNA methylation.

Introduction to the laboratory applications of the above information wherever appropriate, e.g., techniques based on DNA structure and replication (e.g., DNA sequencing, hybridisations, PCR); design of various cloning vectors, DNA profiling in forensic and other areas, genetic diagnoses, drug design.

Reading Materials:

Lecture notes (provided via Blackboard)
Laboratory manual (to be purchased from the university bookshop)

Textbooks: