BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MODULES
BIOINFORMATICAL ANALYSIS TOOLS The purpose of this module is to teach PG research & Masters students how to utilise online bioinformatics tools to analyse (i) DNA & RNA, (ii) genomes and (iii) proteins. These skills are essential for the successful completion of modern research projects and provide PG students with transferable employability skills. The teaching strategy uses problembased-learning in combination with three workshops. These workshops take place in a computer room allowing students instant access to the software tools. They are structured according to the three main biological topics (DNA & RNA, genomes, proteins) and equip students with the tools required to solve a set research problem. Students are offered two drop-in sessions to resolve any issues they may encounter during the problem solving exercise.
ENVIRONMENTAL & INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY This module will be broadly divided into two sections – the first dealing with bioremediation and biomining
and the second dealing with the use of microorganisms to tackle marine oil pollution as well as to enhance oil recovery. The first section will cover various aspects of metal-microbe interactions, most specifically the use of micro-organisms that live in extremely acidic environments (acidophiles). In the second section, the use of Alcanivorax borkumensis, the key player in marine oil degradation worldwide and the first marine oil-degrading bacterium ever sequenced, will be examined.
GENOMES & MOLECULAR GENETICS The lectures of this module are designed to equip students with an indepth understanding of the molecules and molecular mechanisms involved in genome organisation, DNA replication, transcription, RNA translation and the uses of RNA transcripts. The second half of the module will go on to explore the molecular mechanisms and regulation of cell signalling, the mitotic and meiotic cell cycles, cellular ageing and programmed cell death. Finally, the principles of experimental methods used in the genetic and molecular analysis of both human cells and key model organisms. This module will provide background understanding required for more specialised modules
of medical molecular biology.
HUMAN IMMUNOLOGY & DISEASE The lectures in this module will describe the human immune system and its roles in the development, progression and treatment of major human diseases and disorders. Major topics covered will include the molecular mechanisms of the immune response, how loss of regulation can result in immunological syndromes and cancer development and how immunology can be harnessed to develop and improve the treatment of key human diseases with special emphasis on immunological based cancer therapies.
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY During the last 20 years marine biotechnology has been, and continues to be, of prime importance to aquaculture worldwide. This truly global industry is one of the few that continues to grow at approximately 10% per year! From artisanal roots, the current focus of the industry is now firmly based in modern technologies. This module aims to introduce students to marine biotechnology by addressing topical issues. www.bangor.ac.uk/biology
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