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In this module you will relate the physico-chemical properties of RNA, DNA and protein to the common methodologies and technologies used for molecular analysis. In doing so, you will understand the parameters that can be varied in the optimisation of a methodology and will be able to predict the effect of alterations to these parameters. You will study the current developments that are taking place in molecular analysis and critically review the application of this technology to areas of interest in biomedical sciences and biotechnology. A series of practical laboratory sessions will help you gain experience in commonly-used practical techniques relating to the lecture material. DNA purification, restriction and quantification; Cloning – vectors, ligation, screening and analysis of clones; Gene expression and protein purification; Protein analysis – quantification, detection and mass spectrometry; Principles of nucleic acid hybridisation and DNA synthesis to applications in PCR, sequencing microarrays and gene silencing techniques (RNA interference); In silico analysis and manipulation of RNA, DNA and protein sequence information (bioinformatics); “-omics” – comparative and functional genomics, proteomics.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Critically explore the physico-chemical properties of RNA, DNA and proteins and relate these to common current methodologies and technologies for molecular analysis.
LO2: Analyse and interpret RNA, DNA and protein sequence data using bioinformatics.
LO3: Appraise and critically review research literature concerning molecular approaches to the analysis of specific hypotheses, research questions and concepts.
LO4: Critically evaluate laboratory techniques in order to plan, conduct, record and analyse a series of molecular analysis experiments.
LO5: Discriminate between different forms of scientific writing and develop writing skills.