Molecular Genetics and Biotech

In living cells nucleic acids direct both self-replication and synthesis of proteins. DNA also undergoes mutation and recombination, which ultimately generate biodiversity and allow evolution to proceed. The course will cover the basics of these fundamental biological processes and explain how this knowledge is exploited in recombinant DNA technology. Specific areas include: nucleic acid structure; DNA replication; mutation and repair; transcription and translation; control of gene expression; gene cloning, DNA sequencing and genetic engineering. A series of in-course assignments will encourage student engagement and assist understanding of key topics. The lecture course will be assessed by an end-of-trimester multiple choice quiz examination.