Provides an introduction to modern molecular biology and covers the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and the fundamental aspects of recombinant DNA technology. The major topics covered include: The structure and function of DNA and RNA; the replication and transcription of DNA; translation of the genetic code into an amino acid sequence during protein synthesis; regulation of gene expression; manipulation of DNA including fragmentation by restriction enzymes, cloning of DNA fragments into vectors, hybridization analysis and principles of DNA sequencing; protein structure and function, protein engineering and site-directed mutagenesis; amplification of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Practical work to complement the lectures.

Note: Enrolment in this course may be subject to quota restrictions. Such restrictions only apply to students taking this course as an elective part of their plan.