BL4210 – Practical skills for molecular biology and biochemistry

Ashley Pearson
Thursday 19 May 2022

BL4210 – Practical skills for molecular biology and biochemistry


Practical skills are the core of research in biochemistry and molecular biology. This module is designed to prepare students for laboratory research projects in internationally competitive research. The module is designed to foster skills such as experimental design, core practical skills, data analysis and excellent record keeping. Each practical requires some prior theoretical familiarity. Emphasis is placed upon experimental design – notably anticipation of experimental outcomes and the choice of appropriate experimental controls. This planning phase is followed by execution of the experiment and analyses of the data.


Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):

Module Code:
BL4210

Semester:
1

Credits:
15

Module Organiser:
Dr Monika Gostic

Pre-requisite modules:



MMS

Timetable:


[events_list category="BL4210"]

Reading List:


Reading list

Assessment:

Coursework = 100%

MMS assessment details

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook

Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)

Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable

Expected attendance:
School handbook

Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook

University Student Handbook:
University student handbook

School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.

School handbook
University student handbook

Staff:

Learning Outcomes:

Students completing module BL4210 successfully should be able to:

  • Probe databases for relevant information and use bioinformatics tools in biochemistry and molecular biology research projects
  • Design experimental protocols, incorporate appropriate negative/positive experimental controls and anticipate likely experimental outcomes
  • Carry out key modern biochemistry and molecular biology experiments and create clear and complete research records
  • Analyse and interpret experimental data, compare results and draw valid conclusions
  • Write clear and logical scientific prose

Policies:

(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

  • The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
  • All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
  • Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
  • Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/