BL4279 The CRISPR system for Antiviral Defence and Genome Engineering
(BL4279 online module handbook version )
The discovery of the CRISPR system, which provides adaptive antiviral immunity in prokaryotes, has made facile genome engineering a reality. This has resulted in an ongoing revolution in molecular biology and opened the door to a wide variety of applications in healthcare, agriculture and biotechnology. It also raises many ethical considerations. In this module, students will study the molecular biology of the CRISPR system in prokaryotes in depth, touching on the history of discovery, biological mechanisms and the context of antiviral defence systems. Building on this, students will gain an appreciation of the potential applications of this technology in biotechnology and healthcare, and develop a proposal for a novel application, taking into account the practical and ethical considerations.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3302*
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
BL4279: Assessment
Coursework = 60%, 1.5-hour Written Examination = 40%*
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
BL4279: Contributing Staff †
BL4279: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4279 successfully should be able to:
- By the end of this module students will have demonstrated their ability to: ⠬¢ Develop an understanding of the basic science underlying the recent advances in genome engineering technology ⠬¢ Access, interpret and communicate research ideas, data and a
BL4279: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Leading short activity
- Short group presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Short group presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
- Short individual presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- Business plan
- Completing a research paper from which sections have been removed
- Group pamphlet aimed at general audience
- Handout (for presentation or poster)
- Individual pamphlet aimed at general audience
- Long essay (>2000 words)
- Research proposal
- Timed essay
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Ethical considerations
- Impact considerations
- Peer assessment
- Reflective analysis
- Role play
- Critiquing experimental design
- Managing a team
- Organising group work
- 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/