Module Provider: |
AMS |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
SC
Andrews |
Pre-requisites: |
|
Co-requisites: |
AM2C31
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide an appreciation of the wide range of systems used to control gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, concentrating on an understanding of the control of transcription and on a number of specific examples. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
identify the important features of interactions between proteins and nucleic acids which lead to specificity and strength of binding;
recount the mechanisms of control of gene expression in the lac and trp operons of E.coli and in the genes which control lysogeny in phage lambda;
outline the features of the control mechanisms that are used to regulate gene expression developmentally and spatially within organisms, in response to external stimuli and in order to integrate different responses;
make distinctions between the mechanisms employed for control of gene expression in eukaryote as opposed to prokaryote systems;
formulate hypotheses to account for the regulatory behaviour of genetic control systems based on their known components and properties. |
Additional outcomes:
analyse the secondary literature on genetic control mechanisms and present this information concisely both orally and in writing |
Outline content:
The basal transcription machinery in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; the involvement of chromosome structure in gene expression; the involvement of protein-nucleic acid interactions in control of gene expression; details of control of the the lac and trp operons of E.coli and the genes which control lysogeny in phage lambda; the use of alternative sigma factors to control developmental and spatial processes in B.subtilis; response of genes to external stimuli illustrated by appropriate examples; mechanisms used to switch on and off genes in eukaryotes and to integrate the effects of varying stimuli. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Each week there will be one 50-minute lecture session followed by a 1-hr focussed seminar/discussion on an aspect of the subject presented. Students will be given a reading programme to prepare them for each seminar and will be asked to present material in each seminar. There will be formative computer-based tests to check for understanding. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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10 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
|
10 |
|
| Practicals |
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|
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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|
|
| |
|
|
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| Total hours |
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20 |
|
| |
|
|
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| Number of essays or assignments |
|
1 |
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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|
|
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Assessment:
Coursework
Formative elements will include use of the computer-based tests and group presentations. The major summative assessment will consist of a written analysis of the regulatory behaviour of a given genetic control system based on its known components and properties.
Relative percentage of coursework : 20%
Examinations
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring the answer of two questions out of four. This contributes 80% of the overall assessment for this module.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September only |
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