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CELB40200

Academic Year 2024/2025

The RNA World (CELB40200)

Subject:
Cell Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Rory Johnson
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Life probably originated as a self-replicating ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule. This was enabled by RNA’s unique versatility, simultaneously encoding information, catalysing chemical reactions and adopting complex structures - features upon which every living cell depends to this day. In the intervening 4 billion years of evolution, specialized roles have been outsourced to DNA and protein. Nevertheless, RNA remains at the heart of molecular biology, playing fundamental roles in translation and gene expression. Recently, we have come to appreciate that a diverse cast of regulatory RNAs underlie the complex gene regulatory networks that direct both healthy and diseased cells. Today, RNA-based tools are at the forefront of biotechnology and medicine. This module will cover the entire scope of RNA biology, with a particular emphasis on its regulatory roles in mammalian cells and biotechnological / biomedical applications.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of RNA, from the perspective of biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, medicine, biotechnology and the evolution of life on Earth. You will understand the experimental and analytic tools used to study RNA, particularly those based on next generation sequencing technology. You will understand how RNA can be engineered to manipulate genomes and to treat disease. You will be able to interpret a variety of data from the primary literature. By the end of the course, you should be capable of independently interpreting scientific literature to draw conclusions and clearly communicate a topic to others.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be taught through a variety of methods. Lectures will be provided as prerecorded videos that are watched in advance of each in-person class

In-person classes will comprise practical activities to illustrate real-world tools and problems in RNA biology. In-person classes also provide the opportunity to ask questions and resolve any difficulties with recorded material.

Learning will be assessed with an emphasis on problem-solving, understanding and independent drawing of conclusions. Specifically, assessment will be divided between quizzes held during in-person classes, and a "journal club" (JC). JC involves every student recording a brief video presentation on a RNA-related topic of their choice. The presentation will be based on research in the primary literature. Full guidance on the JC will be provided during the in-person sessions.

It is important to note that assessment in this module focusses on understanding, problem-solving and independent thinking. It will not assess pure memorisation of material. Therefore, students should be prepared for a stimulating and challenging module.

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
Individual Project: Students will prepare a short, pre-recorded presentation within a provided template, reviewing a topic of their choice, and graded according to criteria that will be provided. Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
80
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: There will be challenging quizzes covering all content covered up to that point (both lectures and practical exercises). The number of questions per quiz can range from 5-20. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

MCQ tests: Opportunity given for individual feedback after test. Presentation: Group feedback post assessment.

These books provide useful background to the topic. First three should be available at UCD library.

Molecular biology of RNA
by Elliott, David; Ladomery, Michael
ISBN: 9780199671397, 0199671397

Life from an RNA world: the ancestor within
by Yarus, Michael
ISBN:9780674060715, 0674060717

RNA: life's indispensable molecule
by Darnell, James E
ISBN:9781936113194, 1936113198

RNA Biology: An Introduction 1st Edition
by Gunter Meister

Name Role
Dr Michela Coan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Hugo Armando Guillen Ramirez Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Guerrino Macori Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Paul McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Antoinette Perry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jeremy Simpson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tina Uroda Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paola Valentini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Lorna Donlon Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
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