SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The title of the module
Advanced Molecular Processing for Biotechnologists and Bioengineers (30
Credits)
2. The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Biosciences
3. The Start Date of the Module
September 2012
4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable
2012-2013
5. The number of students expected to take the module
12-30
6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
7. The level of the module
M
8. The number of credits which the module represents
30 (15 ECTS)
9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
MSc Biotechnology and Bioengineering
New module specification approved by Faculty 28 August 2012
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
a. An overview of knowledge and understanding of key drivers and principles in drug design, systems
biology, synthetic biology, bioenergy, cell engineering, bionanomaterials and protein/vaccine
based drugs and their application to industrial biotechnology and bioengineering (Programme
Outcomes A1-7, B1-3, C1-4, C6, C7, D1, D3-5)
b. Practical experience of modern cell engineering and synthetic biology approaches (Programme
Outcomes A1-6, B1-3, B6, C1-4, C6, D1, D4)
c. Experimental design within a biotechnological and bioengineering research context (Programme
Outcomes A4, A5, B1, B2, C2, C7)
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
a. Communication: ability to organise information clearly, present information in oral and written
form, adapt presentation for different audiences including academic and industrial (Programme
Outcomes A6, B6, C4, D1)
b. Analytical skills: interpretation of data, marshalling of information from published sources, critical
evaluation of own research and that of others (Programme Outcomes A4, B1-3, B6, C1-3, D1,
D3)
c. Team work: the ability to work both independently and as part of a research group using peer
support, diplomacy and collective responsibility (Programme Outcomes B3, C6, D3, D5)
d. Self-motivation and independence: time and workload management in order to meet personal
targets and imposed deadlines (Programme Outcomes C6, D3, D4)
e. Information technology: use of appropriate technology to retrieve, analyse and present scientific
information (Programme Outcomes A1, A4, A5, B2, B6, C2, C7)
f. Scientific writing: ability to interpret and critique the findings of others and collectively develop an
opinion in an area, communicating this via the presentation of theories and ideas in a review
format (Programme Outcomes A6, C3, C4, C6, D1, D2)
14. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module will consider key areas of biotechnology and bioengineering including an introduction to
drug discovery and design, systems biology and synthetic biology, gene expression and the
engineering of cells to modulate cellular processes, the mechanics of cells from an engineering
perspective, industrial biotechnology (specifically biofuels and small molecule systems biology),
protein and vaccine based drugs, regenerative medicine and bionanomaterials. This will be delivered
through workshops and seminars by specialists within the CMP and involve a number of course work
assignments that will consider the most current research and thinking in these areas. This will be
complemented by two three day practical’s, one on mammalian cell engineering and the other on
synthetic biology.
15. Indicative Reading List
The reading list will largely be the latest review and primary research articles in this area, which will
be used to drive a case-study based approach to learning. Students will be provided with their own
copies of this reading material, but in some cases they will be set tasks for receiving appropriate
New module specification approved by Faculty 28 August 2012
journal articles to which we already have access. Two key Journals will be Nature Biotechnology and
Biotechnology and Bioengineering. Many basic biochemistry text books within the Library also cover
much of the material which will be delivered.
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
The module will comprise a number of practical workshops and seminars to introduce key concepts
and practical techniques in each of the disciplines to be covered (drug discovery and design, systems
biology and synthetic biology, gene expression and the engineering of cells to modulate cellular
processes, the mechanics of cells from an engineering perspective, industrial biotechnology
(specifically biofuels and small molecule systems biology), protein and vaccine based drugs,
regenerative medicine and bionanomaterials). These workshops will be aligned with two laboratory
practicals, including one engineering mammalian cells and a synthetic biology approach in bacteria
to generate microcompartments. These will be complemented by a series of 2 h classroom-based
discussions/workshops/lectures that will address in further each of the areas mentioned above.
Students will also be expected to present in Journal club style a recent (last 12 months) review paper
on the area of their choosing. Following this they will be required to write a minireview of the area in
the style of Nature Biotechnology itself taking a particular angle or position on the field. The
students will also be set a group work task whereby they will be required to use their knowledge and
expertise obtained during the module to design a theoretical novel approach/system that addresses
an area of research in industrial biotechnology and present this in a poster and seminar format.
Seminars, and workshops including preparation time (40 h)
Laboratory practicals and write up (40 h)
Preparation of minireview (30 h)
Preparation for journal club (15 h)
Preparation and delivery of group work (25 h)
Self study (150 h)
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes (Note: Assessments will assess the learning outcomes indicated in brackets).
Practicals and writeup (10% each = total 20%) (all subjective specific learning outcomes 12a-c, 13af)
Presentation for journal club (20%) (12a, 12c, 13a, 13b, 13d-f)
Minireview (7,500 words) (40%) (12a, 12c, 13a, 13b, 13d-f)
Group work (20%) (12a, 12c, 13a-f)
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This module will feature two practicals, which will be undertaken in the research laboratories in the
middle of the autumn term. This will be accompanied by small-group workshops, journal clubs and
seminars alongside a number of traditional lectures, and emphasis will be placed on self directed
reading and study.
New module specification approved by Faculty 28 August 2012
19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning
and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage
to students with disabilities
The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including
additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have
declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
Assessment of how students are able to undertake practical work would need to be undertaken for
students with certain disabilities relating to mobility, for health and safety reasons. Some
assessment of how students are able to undertake practical work would need to be undertaken for
students with certain disabilities relating to mobility, for health and safety reasons.
New module specification approved by Faculty 28 August 2012
New module specification approved by Faculty 28 August 2012