Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Practical Techniques in Analytical Microbiology and Recombinant DNA Technology
Module Code	BE351
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Anne Parle-McDermott Semester 2: Anne Parle-McDermott Autumn: Anne Parle-McDermott
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of the module is to (i) Train students in practical analytical microbiology, particularly in regard to analysis of food and environmental samples and to introduce basic methods in microbial fermentation. (ii) Train students in the basic practical techniques of recombinant DNA technology and to develop their understanding of strategies used in the construction, mapping and expression of recombinant molecules. Attendance at practical sessions is mandatory and students are expected to engage in tutorial sessions and complete assignments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform basic techniques in the preservation and growth of microbial cultures.
2. Define the parameters that influence bacterial cell growth.
3. Perform basic recombinant DNA cloning techniques.
4. Use specific genomic databases and bioinformatics software packages.
5. Design an experiment to generate a recombinant DNA clone of a gene of interest using PCR.
6. Interpret restriction maps of recombinant DNA molecules.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Laboratory	48	Series of practicals related to microbiological methods and recombinant DNA cloning.
Assignment	36	Bioinformatics analysis
Directed learning	11	Completion of laboratory reports
Independent learning	30	Revision
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

Preservation of microorganisms..
Inoculum preparation..

Batch and continuous culture..
Food microbiology, analysis of samples..

Water microbiology, analysis of samples..
Microbiological assay..

Analyis of DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis..
DNA restriction..

Analysis of restriction data and construction of a restriction map of pBR322..
Cloning in pBR322 and pBUC18..

Ligation..
Transformation using calcium chloride treatment and electroporation..

Extraction of plasmid DNA from transformants and its analysis by restriction and gel electrophoresis..
Utilisation of specific databases and software related to recombinant DNA cloning..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Short answer questions	Students will be given a series of questions that test their understanding and interpretation of the practicals undertaken.	50%	n/a
Practice assessment record	Students will be required to record and interpret the data generated throughout the practical series.	25%	n/a
Project	Students will be given a bioinformatics assignment to design an assay to isolate a specific gene of interest.	25%	n/a

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