NSCI6113 – Molecular Methodologies for Applied Science
Module code
NSCI6113
Module title
Molecular Methodologies for Applied Science
Prescription
The aim of this course is to develop knowledge of the principles and methods of molecular biology and the skills to apply these in an applied science context.
NZQA Level
Level 6
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
- Web-Enhanced
Learning hours
- Total learning hours
- 150
Resources required
- Learning Outcomes
- LO1 Analyse the structure and physical properties of nucleic acids and proteins.
LO2 Conduct appropriate molecular analyses of organisms in a range of food and environmental samples.
LO3 Evaluate tools used in molecular biology and their application in an applied science context. - Content
- - Structure and physical properties of DNA, RNA and proteins
- Electrophoresis of nucleic acids and proteins (agarose GE, PAGE)
- Factors contributing to selection of target molecule for analysis
- DNA, RNA and protein extraction from a range of sample types
- Mode of action of restriction enzymes and nucleic acid modifying enzymes
- Nucleic acid hybridization theory
- Methodologies using nucleic acid probes: blotting techniques; microarrays
- Methodologies using nucleic acid primers: PCR; sequencing
- Range nucleic acid fingerprinting/typing methodologies: including RFLP (PFGE), AFLP, DGGE
- Protein analyses: including ELISA, 2D-PAGE, Westerns, FISH
- Use of international nucleic acid and protein databases
- Overview of Recombinant DNA Technology and its application in Food Technology and Environmental Science
- Legislation controlling Recombinant DNA Technology in New Zealand
- Social, ethical and cultural implications
- Data privacy
- Sequence ownership and data breaches - Learning and Teaching Resource
- All required and recommended resources are advised to aakonga via course outlines.
- Teaching and Learning Strategy
- Learning and teaching activities will employ a range of elements drawn from approved methods to align with the context of the learning (delivery mode, regional specific requirement, etc.) and any particular needs of the group of aakonga.
- Assessment Criteria
- Assessment in this course is achievement-based. Aakonga must submit all specified assessment items and obtain at least 50% overall score in order to pass this course. Aakonga will be advised of all matters relating to summative assessment at the start of the course.
