This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module aims to develop understanding and practical skills in molecular biology, based around interactive workshops, practical sessions and group work. The module will involve practical sessions covering key practical and transferable skills in molecular biology and biotechnology, in the context of an extended mini-project focused on CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing - a cutting-edge technology with wide application in the biological sciences. These will be accompanied by interactive workshops and classes that review the theory of these techniques, and will use case studies to illustrate their impact and importance in both academic and industrial settings and in different biological contexts. Students will learn skills in experimental design using appropriate case studies that will embed them within the relevant research literature. They will also gain experience of analysis and statistical interpretation of complex experimental data.
Total contact hours: 62
Private study hours: 238
Total study hours: 300
Assessments associated with online workshops (Pass/Fail at 70% pass mark; multiple attempts permitted until pass mark is achieved)
Peer Review Assignment (40% of module mark)
Lab report (4,000 words) (60% of module mark)
The reading list will be research articles, which will be used to drive a case-study based approach to learning. Students will be provided with their own copies of this reading material, but in some cases they will be set tasks for retrieving appropriate journal articles to which we already have access.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have
Knowledge and understanding of key principles in molecular biology.
Practical experience of modern molecular biology and its application to solve research problems.
Experimental design within a biological research context.
Interpretation of biological data.
Organisation and presentation of experimental data.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have a knowledge and understanding of:
Communication: ability to organise information clearly, present information in oral and written form, adapt presentation for different audiences.
Analytical skills: interpretation of data, marshalling of information from published sources, critical evaluation of own research and that of others.
Team work: the ability to work both independently and as part of a research group using peer support, diplomacy and collective responsibility.
Self-motivation and independence: time and workload management in order to meet personal targets and imposed deadlines.
Information technology: use of appropriate technology to retrieve, analyse and present scientific information.
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