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PA20293: Gene transcription & DNA

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PA20292
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:

* To familiarise the student with the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and aberrations in these mechanisms and processes which lead to inherited diseases or the development of cancer;
* To provide basic understanding of recombinant DNA technology including the production of pharmaceutical products and as a research tool;
* To familiarise the student with the properties and potential of stem cells;
* To illustrate clinical cases through problem-based learning.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit, the student will be able to:
* Describe the cellular pathways and mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression;
* Explain how genetic mutations can predispose to disease states;
* Demonstrate an understanding of recombinant DNA and stem cell technology;
* Appreciate the application of these technologies in pharmaceutical and biomedical science.

Skills:
Scientific and practical skills (T/F/A)
Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F)
Problem solving (T/F).

Content:
Impact of signalling pathways on nuclear events including regulation of gene expression through transcription factor binding. Genetic mutations, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and the control of cell growth. DNA cloning and the use of vectors, including plasmids and viral vectors. Manipulation of DNA including the use of restriction enzymes, DNA sequencing, hybridisation techniques, polymerase chain reaction. Stem cells and molecular techniques - RNAi and gene therapy. Problem based learning applied to relevant clinical case studies.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PA20293 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology

PA20293 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • USPA-AFB02 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology (Year 2)
  • USPA-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • USPA-AKM02 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with Year long work placement (Year 2)

PA20293 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.