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PHYS40090

Academic Year 2024/2025

Analysis of Gene Expression - PCR (PHYS40090)

Subject:
Physiology
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor John Baugh
Trimester:
Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to provide an introduction to PCR-based methods for analysing gene expression with an emphasis on assay design and development. The primary aim of this module is to give students hands-on laboratory experience in PCR and QPCR, and an understanding of the various controls that are necessary to ensure reliable data.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles of gene transcription and PCR-based analysis of gene expression. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Regulation of gene expression
i. Gene promoters and enhancers
ii. Transcription start sites
iii. Transcription factors and polymerase recruitment
iv. RNA splicing

b. Methods for assessing gene expression
i. End point PCR
ii. Sybr green based QPCR
iii. Taqman based QPCR

c. RNA isolation
i. Cultured cells vs Tissues
ii. RNA stability
iii. RNA quantification

d. cDNA synthesis
i. Selection of reverse transcriptase and primers

e. Design of gene-specific primers

f. Normalisation of QPCR data
i. Selecting suitable “House keeping” genes

2. Demonstrate laboratory competence in performing tasks relating to Learning Outcome 1.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

12
Laboratories

60
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module involves approximately ten weeks of laboratory-based practical activity.
Students will work closely with a research active supervisor.
Teaching will involve laboratory work; active/task-based learning; critical writing; reflective learning; enquiry & problem-based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Laboratory Report. Week 15 Graded No

100

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on graded laboratory reports.

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