521-323 Gene Technology

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-222 (or, pre 1997, 521-202), and 521-321.

Corequisites

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-302.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject the student should have: acquired basic skills in design and execution of biochemical experiments using recombinant DNA technology for the investigation of gene structure and expression; developed the ability to make critical analyses of data obtained from recombinant DNA procedures and to use computers for the analysis of DNA sequences and other bioinformatics applications; augmented their theoretical understanding of the structure of prokaryote genes and typical control signals in gene expression. Content includes: Experiments dealing with nucleic acids, plasmid purification, gene cloning, restriction endonuclease mapping, other aspects of recombinant DNA technology; the use of computers in the storage, retrieval and analysis of nucleotide sequence data; discussions of experimental methods for the study of nucleic acids in seminars; exercises in literature research including an oral presentation by students of their findings. The experimental work will be organised into elective streams, one of which will involve an opportunity to undertake relevant project work within one of the Department's research laboratories (quota will apply).

Assessment

Laboratory skills and practical management of the experimental program (25%); two written reports of not more than 2000 words each; one oral report of not more than 30 minutes (35%); and a 2 hour written examination (40%).