Dr Del Sol is a Molecular Biologist interested in exploring bacterial genomes, using this knowledge to understand how microbes interact with their environments and control basic processes like cell division or pathogenesis. Additional research interests are focused on manipulating protein nanocages of microbial origin for novel drug delivery formulations
Dr Del Sol contributes to several modules within the Genetics and Biochemistry degree programmes at Swansea University. His main teaching interests lie within the areas of Molecular Biology methods, Genome sequence analyses and Gene manipulation. He acts as academic mentor for under- and post-graduate students and supervises several undergraduate and masters research projects each year.
Current research activities:
2019 Excellence in Team Teaching Award (ETTA) for work on the BSc Genetics programme.
This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of biochemistry and genetics degree programmes. Students meet with their tutors and will be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.
The control systems governing gene expression in prokaryotic cells are explored and the molecular basis for gene regulation introduced. Practical skills in obtaining and analysing data on a bacterial system are developed. The module then assesses the structure of the bacterial genome and how genetic analysis can be used to investigate structure and function of individual components of that genome. Specific examples explored in depth are the genetics of recombination and DNA repair. The technologies used for functional genomic analysis of fully sequenced bacteria are described with reference to analysis of human pathogens. Finally, the module includes examples of synthetic biology applied to bacteria.
The module will provide a sound theoretical basis to a comprehensive range of biomolecular techniques currently employed in molecular genetics and biochemistry. Particular emphasis is placed on DNA recombinant technology, next generation sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics and mass spectrometry.
Bydd y modiwl yn darparu sylfaen ddamcaniaethol gadarn ar gyfer ystod gynhwysfawr o dechnegau biofoleciwlaidd a ddefnyddir ar hyn o bryd mewn geneteg foleciwlaidd a biocemeg. Rhoddir pwyslais arbennig ar dechnoleg ail-gyfuno DNA, dilyniannu¿r genhedlaeth nesaf, trawsgrifiadomeg, proteinomeg a sbectrometreg màs.
The modern scientist graduate is expected to have gained extensive laboratory-based experience and this is certainly essential for any student intent on pursuing a research-based career. Skills for Researchers provides students with the opportunity to acquire the core skills to be able to conduct, analyse, interpret and present scientific experiments. A proportion of the module will be spent in the laboratory gaining hands-on experience. Skills acquired in this module will form the basis for future experimental work, including the final year project. Students will have the opportunity to provide feedback to peers and engage with a variety of online learning materials.
The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
The ever increasing availability of genome sequences and protein structure data demands that molecular biologists are proficient at performing extensive data analyses to guide and support traditional laboratory-based research. This Module will provide the theoretical basis and practical training on computational tools currently used to assemble and interrogate genome sequences, infer gene and protein functions, and to examine protein structure data.
Mae argaeledd cynyddol dilyniannau genom a data strwythur protein yn mynnu bod biolegwyr moleciwlaidd yn hyfedr wrth berfformio dadansoddiadau data helaeth i arwain a chefnogi ymchwil draddodiadol mewn labordy. Bydd y Modiwl hwn yn darparu sylfaen ddamcaniaethol a hyfforddiant ymarferol ar offer cyfrifiadol a ddefnyddir ar hyn o bryd i gydosod a holi dilyniannau genom, casglu swyddogaethau genynnau a phrotein, ac i archwilio data strwythur protein.
The module will provide practical and in depth theory of applications and equipment available to MSci students in the biomedical research laboratories based at the Medical School. The module will provide guidelines and rationale for experimental design, and data and statistical analysis.
Bydd y modiwl yn darparu damcaniaeth ymarferol a manwl o¿r cymwysiadau ac offer sydd ar gael i fyfyrwyr MSci yn y labordai ymchwil biofeddygol sydd wedi'u lleoli yn yr Ysgol Feddygaeth. Bydd y modiwl yn darparu canllawiau a rhesymeg ar gyfer cynlluniau arbrofol, a dadansoddiad data ac ystadegau.
