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. Amplification of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Practical work to complement the lectures. This course covers essentially the same material as in BIOC2201 Principles of Molecular Biology (Advanced), but in less detail and with more emphasis on the general applications and less emphasis on some of the underlying mechanisms.

Note: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Molecular Biology as an alternative to BIOC2201 for students who do not intend to proceed to Level III Biochemistry. It does not fulfill the prerequisite requirements for Level III Biochemistry but the Head of School may give approval for students with a grade of credit to enrol in Level III courses.