Advanced Methods in Molecular Research

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module is designed to teach you about the techniques available to modern molecular genetics and molecular cell biology researchers. For each technique you will be required to analyse data and comment on the applicability of that technique to the biological problem being investigated.

Genome Stability, Genetic Diseases and Cancer

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

The design of new therapies for cancer depends on first understanding the molecular events that cause the disease. Genomic DNA is damaged spontaneously by chemical carcinogens and by radiation. If unrepaired, this damage leads to mutations, cancer and other developmental disorders. All cells have evolved a sophisticated array of repair and response mechanisms to deal with DNA damage. The aim of this module is to understand the molecular mechanisms that control DNA repair and to appreciate how defects in genes involved in these repair processes are associated with different, in many cases cancer-prone, genetic disorders. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on both the review and critical evaluation of recently published experimental evidence; advances in this area rely on a combination of biochemical analysis, genetic approaches and bioinformatics. Lectures on this module will be complemented by discussion groups.

Genomics and Bioinformatics

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This module will introduce the common types of genomic and proteomic data available in biological databases; including DNA and protein sequences, motifs, gene structure, protein interactions and expression profiles. The aims and methods of DNA and protein sequence analysis will be covered, including analysis of homology, identification of motifs and domains, pair-wise and multiple alignments and prediction of gene structure.

The practical sessions will include the analysis of DNA and protein sequence data from biological databases. In these sessions you will learn how to integrate data to find the functional links between disease related genes and proteins.

Introduction to Genes and Biochemistry

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module will provide background knowledge of five basic units of biochemistry and the relationship between genes and proteins within the cell. Unit 1 deals with the molecules of life, DNA, RNA, nucleotides and the central dogma of molecular biology. Unit 2 covers the decoding of the genetic code through the processes of transcription and translation. Unit 3 deals with proteins, their structure properties and amino acid building blocks. Unit 4 deals with enzymes and simple enzyme catalysed reactions. Unit 5 covers metabolism and uses glycolysis and Krebs cycle as examples of typical pathways bioenergentics is briefly introduced.

Life Sciences Master of Science Research Project

60 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This module gives you the opportunity to design and perform an original piece of research in consultation with a research supervisor. You perform experiments that set out to answer questions posed at the beginning of the experimental work.

Life Sciences Masters Research Proposal

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

On this module you will use primary literature to study the background to a biological problem in the fields of genetic manipulation and/or cell biology. You will then devise an experimental strategy by which this problem can be studied, giving details of techniques and resources that will be used to address the problem.

Molecular Genetics

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

The module will cover the application of molecular genetics to the study of processes in model systems and higher eukaryotes. Particular topics will include cell cycle and checkpoint control, recombination and mating type switching in lower eukaryotes, gene mapping and cloning disease genes in higher eukaryotes, and the production of transgenic animals.

Post Transcriptional Control of Gene Expression

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This module explores in detail the molecular mechanisms controlling RNA export, translation and decay in eukaryotes. It focuses on how such processes are carried out and regulated - by hormones and growth factors, miRNAs, viral infection, ischaemia, hypoxia and stress - and what goes wrong in the diseased state.

Practical Techniques in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology

30 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module exposes you to a number of techniques used in basic molecular research. Particularly suitable for those with limited laboratory experience, it prepares you for undertaking a research project. The module consists of three basic elements: laboratory skills, bioinformatics skills, and theoretical understanding.

Protein Form and Function

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

Protein Form and Function provides a sense of how protein structures are related to each other and of how these structures relate to protein function. On this module you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to learn about and appreciate this class of molecule. This module covers aspects of protein structure in detail and introduces computational and experimental techniques that are essential for studying proteins, and provides the basis for the in depth discussion of more topical issues such as protein engineering and design, protein folding, chaperones and protein folding diseases.

Regulating the Transcriptome

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module takes an in­- depth look at the molecular mechanisms controlling RNA expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, focussing largely on gene transcription but also examining RNA processing events. The mechanism of action of RNA polymerase, transcription factors and RNA processing factors will also be examined in detail.

Skills for Research Bioscientists

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module will prepare you for some of the challenges that you will meet as a professional research bioscientist. These will include scientific writing and other presentational skills, effective use of various software packages, training in the use of radioactivity and specialised equipment, and the preparation of CVs and grant applications.

Topics in Genetic Manipulation and Molecular Cell Biology

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This module considers recent advances in the fields of genetic manipulation and molecular cell biology. Weekly seminars will cover topics such as genetic engineering, electron microscopy, oncogenes, protein engineering, genomics and proteomics.

By the end of the module you should be able to describe and explain techniques used to investigate a variety of cellular and molecular processes, and to critically assess and interpret experimental data generated using these techniques. You will also learn to extract and utilise relevant information from scientific literature.