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Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL4279 The CRISPR system for Antiviral Defence and Genome Engineering

(BL4279 online module handbook version )

cover image

image: CRISPR†

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 Organiser
Prof Malcolm White†
mfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk†
01334 463432†
Pre-requisite Modules:
Before taking this module you must pass BL3302*
Anti-requisite Modules:
*
Post-requisite Modules:
*
Additional Module Information:
Please check MMS regularly for additional module information


BL4279View content for BL4279 (2023/4) in the Module Management System (MMS)
BL4279Download this handbook as a pdf (may take up to ~30 seconds if updating)
BL4279View BL4279 (2023/4) in the University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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: Timetable †

No details are currently available for BL4279 Timetable †

Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4279: Reading List

BL4279Click for BL4279 reading list

BL4279: Assessment

Coursework = 60%, 1.5-hour Written Examination = 40%*

BL4279View coursework assessment details for BL4279 (2023/4) in MMS

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

School of Biology Marking Criteria: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Late submission of continuous assessment work:

 All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the Biology Teaching Office, Level 2, BMS Building, North Haugh.
Exam details: See School of Biology UG Handbook JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  : All Biology exams will be conducted online for 2022-23.
Exam timetable: See Timetables - Exams - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Expected attendance: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  for detailed attendance requirements.
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook: University Student Handbook
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook 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 Alerts.: JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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.

Questions about Contact
General teaching matters Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )
Rescheduled or cancelled events Check your University email
Lecture or practical content The lecturer who presented the material
Completing assessed practical assignments The lecturer who set the assignment
Completing assessments Module Organiser (Prof Malcolm White mfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on continuous assessment The Demonstrator or Module Organiser (Prof Malcolm White mfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on exams Module Organiser (Prof Malcolm White mfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Rearranging practical days
Module Organiser (Prof Malcolm White mfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Absence and/or extensions Module Organiser (Prof Malcolm White mfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk)

and the Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )

Difficulties with academic progress which impact more than one module:

Year Coordinator

See School of Biology UG Handbook for list:
JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Overall performance, progress or future directions:

Advisor of Studies

Disability:

Disability Coordinator ( biodisabilities@st-andrews.ac.uk )

For advice and support on any issue e.g. academic, financial, international, personal or health matters, or if you are unsure of who to go to for help:

Advice & Support Centre

Address: 79 North Street, St Andrews

Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Web: https://www.standrews.ac.uk/ask-a-question/

Tel: 01334 462020
University assistance with urgent matters out of office hours:

Tel: 01334 476161

Web: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/counselling/incrisis/

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 †

Prof Malcolm White
(Module Organiser)

Professormfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk
Prof Malcolm White
(Module Organiser)		Professormfw2@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Simon YoungAssociate Lecturer (Education focused)say2@st-andrews.ac.uk
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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: ⠂¬Â¢ Develop an understanding of the basic science underlying the recent advances in genome engineering technology ⠂¬Â¢ Access, interpret and communicate research ideas, data and a
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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
    Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
    Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
    * University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
    † School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
    ‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

    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) 
    • 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/