Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Practical Biochemistry & Microbiology
Module Code	BE259
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Jacinta Morrison Semester 2: Jacinta Morrison Autumn: Jacinta Morrison
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module is designed to further develop the students' expertise and understanding in certain essential basic biochemical and microbiological techniques and develop their ability to answer scientific questions practically, write laboratory reports and to critically evaluate their results.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the reasons and needs for standards and controls in biological analysis
2. Construct standard curves and estimate the concentrations of particular analytes in unknown biochemical samples
3. Perform an assay of an enzyme’s catalytic activity and calculate the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction
4. Calculate and interpret analytical results and clearly distinguish between precision and accuracy
5. Isolate and enumerate bacteria
6. Identify microbes using microscopic and biochemical tests
7. Explain and evaluate the growth kinetics of microbes growing in batch culture
8. Determine the effects of antibiotics on microbes
9. Manipulate and titre bacteriophage
10. Demonstrate bacterial conjugation
11. Act in accordance with safe laboratory practice in terms of conduct, attire, risk minimisation and appropriate disposal of wastes
12. Generate concise and objective scientific reports
13. Put to practice, the taught lectured aspects of biochemistry and microbiology on the course

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lab	27	Biochemistry Experiments
Lab	27	Microbiology and Genetics Experiments
Independent learning	71	No Description
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

Indicative Syllabus.
Preparation and use of buffers;Glucose estimation by GOD/POD coupled enzyme assay; Lipid analysis - acid value and iodine number; Measurement of protein concentration by UV absorption, Biuret, Lowry and Bradford assays; DNA analysis by UV method; Ionic properties of an amino acid (virtual experiment); Partial purification of yeast invertase and preparation of purification table; Kinetic characteristics and optimum pH of alkaline phosphatase; Microscopic analysis/staining of bacteria; Purification of bacterial cultures; Identification of bacteria using selective/differential media and biochemical tests; Identification and purification of an unknown bacterium; Microbial Growth (Batch Culture); Antibiotic activity; Plating and titering of bacteriophage; Bacterial conjugation..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Laboratory	Attendance. Submission of Laboratory reports (Biochemistry)	38%	As required
Multiple choice questions	n/a	12%	Sem 1 End
Laboratory	Attendance and submission of laboratory reports including assignment (Microbiology and Genetics)	27%	As required
Practical/skills evaluation	n/a	23%	Sem 2 End

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 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Analytical Science

BSc in Biotechnology

GCB

BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology

Timetable this semester: Timetable for BE259

Date of Last Revision

23-MAY-11