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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Molecular Biology And Human Genetics
Reference AS2906 Version 2
Created August 2017 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved May 2011 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2017 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with the ability to examine the major elements associated with recombinant DNA technology, nucleic acid analysis and human genetics and heredity.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Describe molecular cloning procedures, including restriction endonucleases, expression vectors and recombinant selection systems.
2 Explain the methods employed for DNA, RNA and protein analysis, including gel electrophoresis, hybridisation, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.
3 Apply Mendelian principles in humangenetic investigation and discuss genetic screening and gene therapy techniques.
4 Predict phenotypic outcomes of inherited characteristics and disorders.
5 Discuss the impact of current trends and modern techniques in molecular biology on pathological investigation.

Indicative Module Content
Molecular Biology: restriction endonucleases; recombinant DNA formation; ligation; cloning strategies; bacterial expression vectors - plasmids, phage, selection of recombinant clones; mammalian expression vectors; transfection; genetic immunological and nucleic acid based detection methods; mRNA, cDNA, PCR, gel electrophoresis; Southern, Northern and Western hybridisation; sequencing; RFLP; VNTR; Human Genetics: Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, genetic probability, complex dominance, ABO and Rhesus blood groups, sex determination, sex-linked disorders, mutagens and DNA repair mechanisms, cancer inheritance and multifactorial inheritance, genetic screening,gene therapy.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture-based course supplemented with tutorial sessions.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 40 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 110 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description: Composed of short answer and extended response questions on Molecular Biology and Human Genetics.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
This module is assessed using the one component detailed in the Assessment Plan. To pass this module, candidates must achieve a Module Grade D or better.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A Final aggregate mark of 70% or better.
B Final aggregate mark of between 60-69%.
C Final aggregate mark of between 50-59%.
D Final aggregate mark of between 40-49%.
E MARGINAL FAIL. Final aggregate mark of between 35-39%.
F FAIL. A mark of less than 35%.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of stage 1 of the course or an equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BROWN, T.A., 2016. Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: an Introduction. 7th ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
2 LEWIS, R., 2014. Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications 11th ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education
3 LODGE, J., LUND, P. and MINCHIN, S. 2006 Gene Cloning - Principles and Applications 1st ed. Taylor & Francis.
4 NICHOLL, D.S.T. 2008 An Introduction to Genetic Engineering 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781