MIC3011

Molecular microbiology ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Professor John Davies

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit concentrates on specific aspects of bacterial molecular biology. Areas examined include the molecular biology of plasmids and genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, integrons and pathogenicity islands, recombination and DNA repair mechanisms. The ability of bacteria to control gene expression in response to extracellular signals will also be examined, as well as the intracellular transport and secretion of macromolecules, and some aspects of bacterial genomics.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will have built on previous broad knowledge to gain a theoretical understanding of: replication and mobilisation of bacterial plasmids, recombination and DNA repair mechanisms in the bacterial cell the molecular biology of transposons, integrons and pathogenicity islands molecular aspects of transport, assembly and secretion in the bacterial cell, the determination and use of bacterial genomic sequence data. Students will have acquired skills in: molecular analysis of components and processes in the bacterial cell, proper preparation and submission of laboratory reports, completion of literature searches and essay writing, use of computer networks to access information.

Assessment: Written theory examination (3 hour) 50% + Laboratory reports and practical class assessment 30% + Essay (2000 words) 20%

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class/tutorial per week

Prerequisites: at least two of BMS2052, BMS2062, MIC2011, MIC2022, MOL2011 or MOL2022.