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PA40142: Molecular applications in pharmacology

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
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: PA20344 or equivalent unit covering molecular techniques
Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge of more advanced techniques in molecular biology and to critically evaluate their applicability to problems in pharmacological research. Students will also be expected to develop cognitive and transferable skills through critical analysis and interpretation of recent research publications in molecular pharmacology.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit, the student should be able to:
* demonstrate a theoretical and practical knowledge of commonly used techniques in molecular biology.
* appreciate the relevance and limitations of this molecular approach to research in pharmacology.
* demonstrate an ability to identify the key points and conclusions of research papers.
* critically interpret research data in a logical manner.

Skills:
Critical analysis T/F/A
Problem solving T/F/A

Content:
Gene manipulation - polymerase chain reaction, gene cloning and expression systems, site-directed mutagenesis. Generation of cellular reagents for high throughput screening of drug candidates. Genomics, proteomics and microarrays. Transgenic animal models, gene targeting and therapy, gene editing, bioinformatics. Exercises in rapid analysis of scientific literature to identify key findings; more measured critical analysis of sample papers, with a written commentary of key conclusions and their validity.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PA40142 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • USPA-AKM02 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with Year long work placement (Year 4)

PA40142 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.