BL4210 Practical Skills for Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
(BL4210 online module handbook version 103)
Practical skills are the core of research in biochemistry and molecular biology. This module is designed to prepare students for laboratory research projects in internationally competitive research. The module is designed to foster skills such as experimental design, core practical skills, data analysis and excellent record keeping. Each practical requires some prior theoretical familiarity. Emphasis is placed upon experimental design - notably anticipation of experimental outcomes and the choice of appropriate experimental controls. This planning phase is followed by execution of the experiment and analyses of the data.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4210: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4210: Contributing Staff †
BL4210: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4210 successfully should be able to:
- Probe databases for relevant information and use bioinformatics tools in biochemistry and molecular biology research projects
- Design experimental protocols, incorporate appropriate negative/positive experimental controls and anticipate likely experimental outcomes
- Carry out key modern biochemistry and molecular biology experiments and create clear and complete research records
- Analyse and interpret experimental data, compare results and draw valid conclusions
- Write clear and logical scientific prose
BL4210: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Biomolecule isolation/characterisation
- Buffers
- Database interogation
- DNA isolation
- Enzyme assay
- Handling mammalian cells
- Handling microbes
- Image analysis
- Image processing
- Pipetting
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Protein quantitation
- Transformation
Transferable Skills
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Lab safety awareness
- Reflective analysis
- Calculations/equations
- Concentrations
- Data analysis
- Data analysis (depending on project)
- Data presentation
- Descriptive statistics
- Dilutions
- Distinguish different types of data
- Draw a line of best fit
- Linear regression
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- SI units
- Use Excel
- Volumes
- Lab or field notebook
- Designing experiments
- Generate class dataset
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
