Overview
From gene to protein. How genetic information is stored and determines biological function. Principles and applications of genetic engineering. Impact of molecular biology on health, agriculture and New Zealand society.
Molecular biology is the study of how information is stored in DNA and how this information flows on into RNA and protein. This process determines the characteristics of all life. BIOC 221 is taken by students in many different majors, is required for BIOC majors and is highly recommended for GENE majors. The modular laboratory course provides hands on experience in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments. Within the course, emphasis is placed on how to study gene function and regulation using genetic technologies and bioinformatic approaches. Key concepts are illustrated with examples of how molecular biology contributes to our understanding of biology and how this knowledge is being applied to improve health outcomes and agriculture in New Zealand.
About this paper
| Paper title | Molecular Biology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biochemistry |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- CELS 191, CHEM 191 and 36 further points
- Restriction
- BIOC 230, MELS 230 and PHCY 231
- Recommended Preparation
- BIOC 192
- Recommended Preparation or Concurrent Study
- GENE 221
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- This paper builds on the molecular biology taught in CELS 191. It is suitable for a broad range of students as molecular biology underpins all biology. It is also highly relevant to biological aspects of chemistry, physics and computer science.
- Contact
- biochem200.tf@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Course Coordinators: Associate Professor Liz Ledgerwood and Senior Teaching Fellow Shar Snoeck
- Paper Structure
The lecture course is divided into 6 modules:
- The molecular anatomy of genes and genomes
- Bioinformatics
- Prokaryotic transcription and control of gene expression
- Eukaryotic transcription
- Control of gene expression
- Protein translation, targeting, modification and turnover.
The lecture course is complemented by a laboratory course, which provides training in relevant biochemical methods such as restriction enzyme digest of DNA, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, DNA sequence alignment, and enzymatic assays to quantify protein expression.
- Teaching Arrangements
There are 7 weeks of laboratory classes, split into a 3-week module before mid-semester break and a 4-week module after mid-semester break. Students are streamed into one of 5 lab streams.
- Textbooks
Voet, Voet and Pratt, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, John Wiley & Sons.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Articulate a broad understanding of contemporary biochemistry, molecular life sciences and related scientific fields
- Understand the relationship between hypothesis, experiment and data, and know how to apply this to attain knowledge
- Design and execute experiments using contemporary biochemical techniques
- Appropriately communicate biochemical concepts to both specialist and general audiences
- Understand the relationship between science and society
- Evaluate the philosophical and ethical aspects of their activities as a scientist
- Identify and critically evaluate relevant information
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Assessment details
30% Internal assessments
70% Final examination