Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Introduction to Microbiology and Genetics
Module Code	BE102
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Michael Parkinson Semester 2: Michael Parkinson Autumn: Michael Parkinson
Module Teacher	Michael Parkinson
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Following on from module BE101, which, having introduced the concept of the cell, focuses on the basic biochemistry, physiology and molecular detail of animals and plants; this module covers three themes: (i) The diversity of the microbial world, and (ii) An introduction to cell culturing (growth under specified conditions for a specific purpose) - animal, plant and microbial.(iii) An introduction to genetics as it applies to all forms of life (with a particular emphasis on humans).

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the evolutionary relationships between organisms and how this helps to predict behaviour
2. Discuss how an understanding of physical and nutritional requirements can help us to preserve food
3. Discuss how an understanding of cell structure, function and metabolism can help us to control microbial growth and prevent disease.
4. Discuss how microorganisms may be used in biotechnology
5. Discuss the genetic code and its applications.
6. Discuss mendelian genetics and carry out pedigree analysis

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	36	theory and applications of microbiology and genetics
Directed learning	6	on-line tutorials in microbiology and genetics
Tutorial	12	weekly tutorials in microbiology and genetics
Independent learning time	71	Independent learning of concepts
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to microbial diversity.
Intoduction to phylogenetic trees. Bacteria and Archea, evolution, similarities and differences. Protist diversity..

Microbial diseases.
Microbial diseases. Characteristics of microorganism structure and function. Growth factor analogues and antibiotics..

Microbial growth.
Microbial energy production. Microbial nutrition. How to measure microbial growth. How to calculate microbial growth parameters. Environmental factors that affect microbial growth and how an understanding of these can lead to food preservation..

Introduction to Genetics.
Different Investigative Approaches; Darwin & Evolution; genetic variation - central; Chromosome number - Karyotyping; Chromosome mutations, examples. Totipotency/Differentiated cells/Cloning - Dolly the sheep.Mendelian Genetics( basic principles); Pedigree analysis; Morgan's Fruit Flies - tracing a gene to a specific c/some. Introduction to human genetic diseases (eg; PKU, CF, Hemophila and hemochromatosis). Structure and physical properties of DNA molecules. Introduction to genes; The genetic code; Relationship between genes and proteins; Gene mutations (and consequences), examples; allele frequencies in different populations. Genetic testing/screening.Applications of recombinant DNA technologies; Food, Health & Environment; GMOs. Production of genetically engineered pharmaceuticals, transgenic organisms, pharming..

Human Genome Project.
Medical consequences and Ethical Issues; Model Organisms: Concept of comparative genomics (video); Concept of pharmacogenomics; Genetic databases: From Iceland to GATTACA (video).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

S.S.Mader: 0, Biology (WCB Publishers)Biology by N.A.Campbell and J.B.Reece (Benjamin Cummings) Biology of Microorganisms by Brock (Prentice hall),

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.

BSc in Analytical Science

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Biotechnology

CES