Molecular Biology Techniques A

The main aim of this practical course is to introduce students to an experimental environment in which they will learn the essential skills to perform experiments in the area of DNA recombinant technology (e.g. polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzymes) and protein analysis and detection techniques in molecular and cell biology (e.g. SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting). Students will learn to perform basic scientific experiments, keep track of the experimental protocols and reagents, process and evaluate data and concisely report their methods and findings.

Completion of the lab journal from the previous week and the preparation questions for the current week is mandatory in order to access the following week’s practical. Students with an incomplete lab journal will be denied access.

The final grade is based on:

1.      A written report on your experiments (40%)

2.      A presentation of on your experiments (40%)

3.      A PCR design assignment (20%)

Students must receive a minimum 5.0 grade on each of them to pass the course. The average grade must be 5.8 to pass.

In addition, the following five criteria are assessed on a pass/fail basis for each practical.

1.      Quality and timely completion of your lab journal

2.      Correct and timely answers to the weekly preparation questions

3.      100% attendance and professional behaviour during the practicals

4.      Completion and timely submission of relevant assignments

5.      Successful completion of the experiment during the practicals (at least 5 of the 7)

Important: A single fail on any of these five criteria will result in your final grade not being evaluated. In that case, you must consult with the course instructors to determine whether and how the course may still be completed.

There will be a make up session for only one missed practical in Week 8.

Students who need to repair their grade on any of the 3 assessment components will need to contact the teacher no later than week 4.5 to request a new opportunity, and the deadline for this  will be no later than week 4.10.