Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Advanced Skills in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Code LIFE345
Coordinator Dr EC Connor
School of Life Sciences
E.Connor@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 4
This refers to timetabled lectures
  16
This refers to approximately fortnightly timetabled group tutorials
    33
This refers to 11 problem-solving workshop sessions timetabled during semester one
3
This refers to a poster exhibition and a scheduled feedback session
56
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 94
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  4 hrs  Semester 1&2  40  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Data handling exercises 
Coursework  2000 words  Semester 2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Dissertation 
Practical Assessment  1 hr  Semester 1&2  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Participation in tutorial discussions 
Coursework  A0 size poster  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Poster Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be two data handling exercises performed under examination conditions. One of these exercises will be in semester 1, the other one in semester 2. Assessment 2 will be a dissertation. Assessment 3 will be preparation and participation in tutorial discussions, some of which will be in semester 1, others in semester 2. Assessment 4 will be a poster produced by a group of students. 

Aims

  • To develop in students the skills necessary for using databases to solve problems in molecular biology

  • To introduce students to current scientific methodologies and topical issues within molecular biology

  • To develop in students enhanced presentational skills

    		•

    Learning Outcomes
    To interpret molecular databases using bioinformatics tools and to analyze selected data

    To critically review evidence and produce well argued, accurate and properly referenced reports in the context of molecular biology
    To communicate scientific facts, data and current technologies to a range of audiences

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures

    Tutorial - This refers to approximately fortnightly timetabled group tutorials

    Workshop - This refers to 11 problem-solving workshop sessions timetabled during semester one

    Other - This refers to a poster exhibition and a scheduled feedback session

    Syllabus
    1 

    Study Skills

    - Risk assessment and safety procedures

    - Ethical Issues

    - Searching the scientific literature

    - Referencing tools, including use of Endnote

    - Time management

    - Exam technique

    - Dissertation planning

    - Communication of science

    - Critical analysis of literature


    Bioinformatics and Data Handling Skills

    - Bioinformatics
    - Molecular Gen etics (eg cloning, nucleic acid analysis, genetic toxicology)
    - Forensics (using genetics as a tool in crime scene investigation)
    - Medical and Clinical Genetics (eg Cytogenetics, medical diagnostics, the andrology laboratory, genetic counselling).
     
    Careers
    - CVs and job applications
    - Preparing for interviews
     

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: