BL4223 Molecular and cell biology of eukaryotic DNA replication

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr S A MacNeill

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr S A MacNeill

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Highly-efficiently chromosomal DNA replication is essential for all forms of cellular life on Earth and requires the complex interplay of a large range of protein factors in a temporally- and spatially-coordinated manner. In humans, defects in the replication process may lead to genetic disease or cancer. This module will summarise current knowledge of the enzymes and mechanisms of chromosomal DNA replication in bacterial, archaeal and eukaryotic cells with particular emphasis on exploring the diverse range of experimental systems and techniques used in the laboratory to probe the structure, function and regulation of the replication apparatus. Similarities and differences between cellular and viral DNA replication strategies will be explored and diverse aspects of the evolution of the replication machinery highlighted.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL3301 AND PASS BL3302

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar (x 10 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the fundamental principles of chromosomal DNA replication in eukaryotic cells, building on the content of BL2302 Molecular Biology
  • Display familiarity with key enzymes and mechanisms uncovered in model eukaryotes such as yeast, and the methods used to obtain these results.
  • Understand with similarities and differences between replication enzymes and mechanisms in eukaryotes and our distant ancestors, the archaea.
  • Appreciate how work on model systems provides vital insights in the importance of successful high-fidelity DNA replication for maintaining the stability of the human genome and avoiding genetic diseases such as cancer.
  • Display the skills of literature searching, how to read a scientific paper, how to present research to an audience in an appropriate manner, how to structure an extended review, and how to prepare and present a poster.