This module introduces the identification and role of essential macromolecules within a cell and their basic biochemical processes. Lectures and laboratory-based practicals will explore the core concepts of molecular biology and the practical application of molecular techniques. Lectures will cover the fundamental cellular chemistry that is necessary to understand the molecular nature of cells and the processes involved in maintaining life. Practicals will develop this learning to investigate specific molecular applications utilised in real-life situations, and also provide context to how and why gene regulation occurs. The workshop sessions explore the applications of molecular biology to wider society exploring topics such as science communication, ethics, vaccines and genetic modification
BIO235
Molecular Ecology
Molecular ecology is an emerging field that takes advantage of the latest advances in molecular genetics to answer
a varied range of theoretical and practical questions in ecology including conservation genetics, behavioural
ecology, phylogeography, adaptation, hybridization and speciation. Through a combination of theoretical lectures,
laboratory practicals and class discussions we will consider the application of a range of molecular and statistical
tools to problems such as species conservation, biological invasions, wildlife forensics or fisheries. Lectures include a basic introduction to the field of Molecular Ecology and its connections to Conservation Biology and Population Genetics. This will be followed by lectures on population diversity focused on: molecular markers and genetic variation in natural populations, phylogeography and barcoding, population structuring and differentiation, mating systems, behavioural ecology and inbreeding. A more applied part of the programme will include lectures on microbial ecology, forensic science and conservation applications. Two practical lectures will cover the use of barcoding for species identification, including DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing (laboratory based) and the identification of there sequences using databases such as Genbank (computer based).
BIO340
Professional Laboratory Skills
Professional Laboratory Skills is a module that provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience of fundamental and advanced laboratory techniques in the broad area of biomolecular sciences. BIO340 consists of four intense laboratory sessions: two conducted in the wet-lab and two conducted in the computer lab. This blend of in vitro and in silico experimentation reflects the skills needed by modern biology graduates. Each session will have a theme: (1) protein biochemistry, (2) in silico structural manipulations, (3) PCR-techniques and gel electrophoresis, (4) Bioinformatics.
Students will examine the structure-function relationship of a conserved, yet functionally diverse, family of proteins. Such proteins are found in plants, animals (including invertebrates) and microorganisms.
[It should be noted that this module runs out of term time (usually early September), in a similar manner to residential field courses]