Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledesc
ript/index.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Molecular Biology
Module code
3333
Module Organiser
Dr Hans Dessens
Contact email
Johannes.Dessens@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
This module is weighted as equivalent to 10 credits, within the larger 60-credit
Term 1 super-module for each MSc course. Credits are not awarded for this
module individually, but only for successful completion of the Term 1 supermodule.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Communicable diseases (in general); Research (in general); Biomedical
sciences/disciplines.
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To provide students with a grounding in molecular biology in preparation for
relevant modules later in the year.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Describe the basic structure and biochemistry of nucleic acids and proteins
and discriminate between them;
Identify the principles of DNA replication, transcription and translation and
explain how they relate to each other;
Describe the main principles of methods for preparation of DNA, such as
DNA extraction, cloning, transformation and PCR, and analyse their
applications;
Describe the main principles of methods for analysis of DNA, such as
hybridization, restriction analysis and DNA sequencing and analyse their
applications;
Be able to build and interpret phylogenetic trees representing evolutionary
relationships among organisms;
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Target audience
Describe and discuss applications of molecular biology, including the use of
bioinformatics and genomics.
The module is designed particularly for students who wish to reinforce or
update their core knowledge of molecular biology. It is open to MSc courses in
Infectious and Tropical Diseases and is a pre-requisite for modules 3131, 3158
and 3160.
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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Description and integration of the biochemistry of nucleic acids;
Genetic diversity;
Gene expression;
Basic methods used in molecular biology;
How molecular biology relates to other fields of science.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
An introductory folder will be provided by the start of the module. Additional
study material will be provided during the course where needed or will be
made available electronically.
Teaching and learning
methods
The module will consist of 10 two hour sessions with lectures followed by
demonstrations and workshops. For MBID students there will be a
compulsory critical review task of a scientific paper.
Assessment details
There will be MCQ-based formative assessments at the end of the module, with
face-to-face feedback in the final week. Attendance of modules 3131, 3158 and
3160 in Term 2 is subject to successful completion (mark >70%) of this
assessment
Assessment dates
Formative assessment will take place in week 10.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 10 weeks at 0.5 days per week; this module takes place on
Friday afternoons.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Friday 9 October 2015 and finish on
Friday 18 December 2015.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot Term 1.
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule.
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Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 100 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 20 hours
Directed self-study ≈ 40 hours
Self-directed learning ≈ 10 hours
Assessment, review and revision ≈ 30 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
None
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 70-80 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students, and particularly MBID students and/or those on other MSc courses
who want to take modules 3131, 3158 and 3160 in Term 2. Other applicants
will usually be offered a place in the order applications are received, until any
cap on numbers is reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and
given priority the next time the module is run.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module. However, LSHTM research degree students must
attend the first session and complete the final on-line assessment.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
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For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline is the end
of Term 1 Orientation Week, Friday 2 October 2015.
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If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. The School gives priority to the needs of students registering for
Masters and Research Degrees, and so places on any module may be limited
- early application is therefore advised. Formal registration will take place
on the morning of the first day of the module.
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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 17 July 2015 by Hans Dessens
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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