COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
PROGRAMME:
BIOCHEMISTRY
COURSE CODE:
BCH 432
COURSE TITLE:
TECHNIQUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
UNITS:
2 UNITS (L0 T1 P3)
SEMESTER/ SESSION:
ALPHA, 2013/2014
COURSE LECTURER:
*Dr. O.O. Ogunlana and Mrs W.O. Iyanda-Joel
*Course Coordinator
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course studies the principles and techniques in molecular biology. The fundamentals of DNA
(Plasmid) isolation and quantitation. Principles, applications and procedures in restriction enzyme
digestion of DNA, purification of DNA, SDS-PAGE, Ligation of DNA, E. coli transformation –
chemical and electroporation and expression of fusion protein, Polymerase chain reaction, Protein
quantitation by densitometry and dye binding, Western blot analysis, RNA isolation and quantitation
from E. coli and animal tissue and Real-Time-PCR
B.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this course, the students are expected to:

Understand the application of DNA extraction and its purification in genetic studies.

Explain the principles, applications and procedures in the used of restriction enzyme digest.

Explain the principles, applications and procedures in SDS-PAGE and Agarose gel
electrophoresis

Explain the principles, applications and procedures of polymerase chain reaction.

Methods of E. coli transformation – chemical and electroporation and expression of fusion
protein
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C.
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY /TEACHING AIDS
Lecture Delivery and Teaching Aids include
D.

Guided instructions

Interactive classroom session

Transparencies

Diagrams

Laboratory Practicals
COURSE OUTLINE
The course studies the principles and techniques in molecular biology. The fundamentals of DNA
(Plasmid) isolation and quantitation. Principles, applications and procedures in restriction enzyme
digestion of DNA, purification of DNA, SDS-PAGE, Ligation of DNA, E. coli transformation –
chemical and electroporation and expression of fusion protein, Polymerase chain reaction, Protein
quantitation by densitometry and dye binding, Western blot analysis, RNA isolation and quantitation
from E. coli and animal tissue and Real-Time-PCR
Module 1
Fundamentals of DNA/RNA/Proteins extraction and quantification
(Dr. O.O. Ogunlana)
Week 1
Principles and procedures of DNA/RNA/Protein extractions and purification
Week 2
RNA/DNA extraction from animal and/or plant tissues
Week 3
Principles and procedures of DNA/RNA quantification
Week 4
Protein quantitation by densitometry and dye binding
Week 5
Principle and procedure of Agarose gel gel electrophoresis
Week 6
Principle and procedure of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Module 2
Principles of restriction enzyme digestion
Week 6
Principles and application of restriction enzyme digestion.
Week 7
Investigation the digestion with agarose gel electrophoresis
(Mrs W.O. Iyanda-Joel)
Mid term Test
Module 3
Principles of amplication system
(Dr. O.O. Ogunlana)
Week 8
Principles and application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Week 9
Principles an application of real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Module 4
Mechanisms of genetic expression systems
(Mrs W.O. Iyanda-Joel)
2
Week 7
E. coli transformation – chemical and electroporation gene transfer
Week 8
Expression of fusion protein
Week 9
Gene cloning
Week 10
Principles of western and nothern blotting
Week 11
Tutorials and Revision
E
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/ METHOD OF GRADING
1. Continuous Assessment 30 marks
2. Semester Examination
F
70 marks
CLASS BEHAVIOUR
Please note the following:

Mandatory 90% class attendance,

No eating or dozing in the classroom,

Active participation in all activities,

All class assignments must be submitted on time,

Punctuality to classes must be observed.
G
TOPICS FOR TERM PAPERS/ASSIGNMENTS
(i)
Discuss the methods of extraction and purification of DNA/RNA.
(ii)
Explain the principles and applications of polymerase chain reaction
(iii)
Explain the principles and applications of restriction enzyme digest
(iv)
Discuss the methods involved in genetic recombination
H.
ALIGNMENT WITH UNIVERSITY VISION AND GOALS
The patterns of lectures shall be made to focus on fulfilling the vision and goals of Covenant
University which is towards building a new generation of leaders that will restore the dignity of
black man. This will be achieved by the following ways;

Every class shall start with prayer session.
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
Possibility mentality and capacity building are ensured by solving grey areas in class and by
relating the course to the industry.

A visit to a production company shall be encouraged during the session.

Students shall be made to adhere strictly the stipulated ground rules and regulations of the
course.
I.
INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
I helps the student to understand and interprete the molecular basis of Biochemistry. This
students are able to face the advance biochemistry world, relate with it and are able to work
in several research, clinical diagnostic lab among others.
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RECOMMENDED READING
1. Stryer, L. Biochemistry (4th edition).
2. Lehninger, A. Principles of Biochemistry (5th edition)
3. Horton H. A. et al. Principles of Biochemistry (4th edition)
4. Old RW and Primrose SB, Principles of Gene Manipulation: An Introduction to Genetic
engineering (3rd edition).
5. Dubey, RC. A Textbook of Biotechnology (3rd edition).
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