Lecturer: Dr R. Govinden

Prerequisite:
BIOL101 or BIMI120; CHEM110, 120

Aim:
To provide a strong foundation in bacterial and viral molecular biology and recombinant DNA Technology.

Content:
Organisation of bacterial & viral genomes.  DNA replication.  Regulation of gene expression.  Plasmid Biology.  Transposons and mobile elements.  DNA Repair & recombination.  Theory of cloning, manipulation & analysis of genes and the expression of their protein products.  A working knowledge of genetic engineering.

Practicals:
Hands on experience in screening for bacterial mutants, detection of antibiotic resistance, conjugation and transduction and bacteriophage cultivation.  Hands on experience with basic recombinant DNA technology techniques.

Assessment:
Practicals (25%), 2h theory tests (25%), 3h exam (50%)

DP Requirement:
Class mark of 40%, attendance at 80% of tutorials and practicals