01. Understand and apply appropriate vocabulary to describe proteins and nucleic acids

Activities:

At the beginning of the subject, each student will be allocated a topic that is related to the lecture content. Students will prepare a handout that can be circulated to classmates and form the basis of a group discussion. A list of questions will be provided to assist students in developing material for this activity. Demonstrators will moderate the group discussion and provide feedback on the presentation. Students will be assessed on their understanding and use of scientific terminology for this exercise.

02. Use bioinformatic software to analyse and interpret genetic or proteomic data

Activities:

During the workshops, students will be provided with an experimental outline and a theoretical set of data. Students will need to analyse the data using standard bioinformatic software. Upon completing these exercises, students will be asked to make a recommendation about what type of experiment they would perform next. These activities will form the basis of a number of worksheets that must be submitted for assessment.

03. Solve mathematical problems and perform calculations commonly used in a laboratory setting

Activities:

Throughout the lecture series, students will be provided with opportunities to improve their quantitative literacy skills through completing a number of exercises that examine experimental design and setup. Students will be expected to apply these skills to equivalent problems within the on-line quizzes.

04. Compile and report scientific information in a meaningful and clear context

Activities:

At the beginning of the semester, students will be allocated a cDNA accession number from the database. They will need to design an experimental strategy that will allow them to clone the cDNA, express and purify the protein, and finally confirm that it is the correct protein sequence. Workshop activities will support students in developing the skills to complete this assignment.

05. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts in molecular biology and protein chemistry

Activities:

By completing the exercises presented in the lectures and workshops, students should develop a high level of the theoretical knowledge in the areas of molecular biology and protein chemistry. This knowledge will be assessed through the final subject exam and online quizzes.

06. Interpret and critically evaluate experimental data

Activities:

As a part of the worksheet exercises, students will be required to evaluate and interpret experimental data. Feedback on these exercises will be provided to the whole class during the lectures. This feedback will assist students in preparing for the oral quiz assessment.