CC45 BSc Genetics & Microbiology
| Genetics and Microbiology are complementary aspects of modern biology, and this Dual Honours degree course allows you to study both subjects in an integrated way to a high level. The course structure is shown below. See the separate subject descriptions for more information: |
Illustrations above: Left, a result from a second year practical class. Agarose gel electrophoresis is being used to determine the structure of a DNA molecule that will express human gastric lipase in yeast. In other sessions in the practical course, students used genetic engineering techniques to join DNA from the human gene to DNA that will replicate in yeast and allow the human gene to be expressed in yeast. Finally, the students introduced the DNA into living yeast cells and induced them to make the human protein. Once expressed it can be used to treat one of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Centre, a second-year practical class on medical bacteriology. Right, Staphylococcus aureus, a superbug. Multiple drug resistant S. aureus are a constant threat to human health. Research in Sheffield concerns vaccine and novel drug target development. |
Course structure - click module titles for summaries of content
MBB152 Genetics
The module provides an introduction to the principles of genetics and considers the application of these principles to diverse aspects of biology and human welfare. The genetic systems of higher organisms and microbes are described, including mechanisms of gene transmission and genetic exchange, mutation, and gene mapping. Human examples are stressed where appropriate. Applications include fundamental studies in other biological disciplines, such as evolutionary and developmental biology, as well as topics more directly concerning human welfare, such as the genetic and biochemical bases of inherited disorders, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counselling, gene therapy, and the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. [return to course structure]
MBB153 Diversity of Life
The module will begin by looking at the origin of life on Earth. It will continue by exploring the evolution of microorganisms and the emergence of the eukaryotic cell. Phylogenetic methods will be explained that divide all life into three primary domains (Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya). The diversity of life will be explored in the next section, leading to a discussion of metabolic diversity, and a look at ways in which some key pathways might have evolved. A practical aspect of microbial diversity will be illustrated by a consideration of how metabolic processes can be exploited in biotechnology. Finally, aspects of medical microbiology will be examined, with emphasis on antibiotic resistance and the interactions between bacteria and eukaryotic cells. [return to course structure]
MBB154 Molecular Biology of the Gene
An understanding of what genes are and how they function at the molecular level represents one of the most important scientific advances of the 20th century. This module will discuss the structure of genes, how they store and express genetic information, how they are replicated, and how genomes are organised. Although the basic mechanisms of transcription, translation and DNA replication are universal in living organisms, there are important differences between these processes in bacteria and higher organisms, which will be highlighted. Genetic engineering has developed from this knowledge, and its application will affect our lives in many ways. The technology will be reviewed, so that students will become sufficiently well informed to understand the applications of these techniques, and the issues that they pose for society. [return to course structure]
MBB155 Practical Molecular Biology 1
The module will introduce students to the basic laboratory skills which underpin the sciences of biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and molecular biology. The laboratory sessions will begin with simple experimental work and will involve the use of basic laboratory equipment e.g. spectrophotometers and microscopes. As the module progresses more complicated experiments (e.g. DNA manipulation and PCR) will be undertaken. The rules of laboratory safety will be emphasised. Students will work in pairs with a postgraduate demonstrator to every 8-10 pairs. Each class will be supervised by a member of the academic staff. The associated analysis sessions will reinforce the theoretical basis of the laboratory experiments. [return to course structure]
MBB156 Practical Molecular Biology 2
The module will build on the skills gained in MBB155. A wider range of laboratory skills will be covered within the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and molecular biology. The rules of laboratory safety will be emphasised throughout the practical sessions. Students will work in pairs with a postgraduate demonstrator to every 8-10 pairs. A member of the academic staff will supervise each class. The associated analysis sessions will reinforce the theoretical basis of the laboratory experiments and numerical analysis of data will be emphasised. [return to course structure]
MBB157 From Cells to Organisms
This module aims to provide students with a general introduction to cell biology. Lectures in the first part of the module describe eukaryotic cell structure, organisation, movement and communication. Later lectures examine cells in their "social context" in whole organisms e.g. in the immune system, and during development. There is a strong emphasis on the molecular cell basis of diseases such as cancer, since this informs our understanding of normal cell processes as well as suggesting new therapies. Teaching and learning will take place through lectures, supported by recommended reading and Internet-based materials. Assessment will be by formal examination. At the end of this module, students should have an appreciation of the fundamentals of eukaryotic cell biology. [return to course structure]
MBB158 Biochemical Basis of Life
The aim of this course is to present a hierarchical view of the biochemical basis of life, spanning the basic chemical principles that govern life processes to the integration of biochemical reactions into whole organism function. The course will provide a detailed understanding of biological chemistry in the context of selected examples of molecular processes. The emphasis will be upon the appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. The following areas will be covered: chemical basis of life; molecules of life; functions of biomolecules; biochemical pathways and their integration and regulation. [return to course structure]
BMS223 Differentiation
This unit provides a core element to cell and developmental biology. It provides students with an understanding of key principles in developmental biology, including cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and morphogenesis. Examples will be drawn from animal model systems and in vitro systems, and will be used to introduce students to the wide range of basic cell and developmental biology tools. Students will be introduced to key themes that emerge from such basic principles, laying the groundwork for 3rd year specialisations. These include application to the fields of stem cells, regenerative medicine, models of human disease, cancer and organogenesis [return to course structure]
MBB202 Gene Expression and Regulation
The aim of this module is to give a broad overview of the synthesis and processing of RNA in eukaryotes; how transport into and out of the nucleus occurs and; how genes are transcribed, how that process is regulated and how signalling, from the environment, mediates, gene regulation. This course builds on the detailed knowledge of prokaryotic gene expression and regulation in MBB154 and is divided into 3 parts. (a) RNA synthesis, processing and nuclear transport; (b) transcriptional regulation; and (c) signalling pathways. [return to course structure]
MBB203 Analysis of Genomes
The first part of the unit will cover genome structure and evolution. Lectures will cover the functions of chromosomes; highly abundant reiterated simple sequences; functions and origins of the non-genic sequences of the genome; transposons, retroviruses and retroposons; evolution of genes and gene families. The second part will cover sequencing and mapping studies. Lectures will cover vectors and gene libraries; strategies for sequencing large genomes; survey of large scale sequencing projects. The final part will cover functional genomics with lectures on the bioinformatic approach; analysis of genome expression; applications and future prospects for genomics. [return to course structure]
MBB211 Macromolecular Structure and Function 1
The emphasis of this course is to provide a working knowledge of the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids, an appreciation of the crucial relationship between structure and function, and an appreciation of dynamic changes, binding and kinetics in biological systems. The lectures will consider enzymes and their substrates; nucleic acids and the proteins that they interact with; the manner in which proteins bind ligands and inhibitors and the kinetics of single substrate enzyme reactions. [return to course structure]
MBB214 Metabolism: Control and Manipulation
The aim of this module is to examine the ways in which biochemical pathways are controlled and integrated. Students will acquire knowledge of the control of flux through metabolic pathways, compartmentation of metabolism, modulation of regulatory enzymes, and the ways in which metabolism is adapted to different physiological states. The module will also consider the amazing diversity and sophistication in the ability of cells to synthesise complex molecules from simple precursors, and the ways in which a knowledge of this can lead to the ability to manipulate metabolism in medicine and biotechnology. Throughout the module, the ways in which individual pathways illustrate the general principles of metabolism will be highlighted. Examples will be taken from a wide range of micro-organism, plant and animal systems. The module will conclude with a discussion of the current theories about how metabolic pathways have evolved. [return to course structure]
MBB220 Practical Molecular Biology 3
The laboratory sessions will provide practical experience in a range of skills that are essential for students of biochemistry, microbiology and genetics and will illustrate the uniformity of practical skills that support these disciplines. The first classes will illustrate techniques that are used in protein purification and will show how the progress and success of the purification can be monitored by techniques such as gel electrophoresis and, in the case of a molecule with biological activity, by the determination of specific activity. You will then undertake an extensive programme into the mechanisms of gene cloning, to allow the expression of a recombinant protein in a methylotrophic yeast. The uses of bacterial transposons to mutate and identify genes will then be investigated. The final two weeks of the practical course will illustrate how protein techniques have been used to determine the molecular basis of immunology.
Many of the MBB220 analysis sessions will be linked directly to the corresponding laboratory sessions; others will provide training in the analysis, manipulation and presentation of experimental data, skills that will be essential for not only your second year reports but also your third year laboratory project. [return to course structure]
MBB226 Practical Molecular Biology 4
The experience gained in MBB220 in the purification and characterisation of proteins will be extended in this module by an intensive study of the determination of protein structure and in the use of protein sequence to derive functional & evolutionary relationships between proteins. Procedures for DNA sequencing will be discussed and the importance of proteomics in assessing genetic conditions such as diabetes and cardiac disease will be illustrated. Mechanisms of gene analysis in yeast will be presented and will further illustrate the importance of combining experimental observations with genome databases. You will receive laboratory training in medical microbiology and in the use of bacterial two-hybrid systems. The techniques that you will learn during this module will be of direct importance to the laboratory work you will be performing in your third year laboratory project and many of the analysis sessions will be directed towards providing skills that are essential for this work. To assist you in the selection of these projects, you will be given an introduction into the major research activities of the department. [return to course structure]
MBB231 Genetics of Higher Eukaryotes
This module will begin with a discussion of the characteristics of some eukaryotic genetic systems, including humans and a number of model eukaryotic organisms (including Drosophila, the mouse and Arabidopsis). The module will continue with a consideration of four specific topics: quantitative inheritance, population genetics, cytogenetics and cytoplasmic inheritance. Quantitative characters are typically influenced not by single major genes, but by several to many genes acting in concert with the environment; methods for analysing the resulting inheritance patterns will be considered, and the concept of heritability will be developed in relation to agricultural and human populations. Allele frequencies in populations may be influenced by factors such as mutation, migration, selection and genetic drift; the operation of these factors will be discussed. The origins of chromosome abnormalities will be considered, together with the significance of such abnormalities in disease and speciation processes. Outside the nucleus, small numbers of essential genes are found in mitochondria and chloroplasts; the structure, function, inheritance and evolution of these extranuclear genomes will be considered, along with the consequences of mutation, in a range of eukaryotes from microbes to Man. [return to course structure]
MBB232 Microbial Genetics
This module will show how classical and molecular techniques are used to study the genomes of bacteria and fungi, and to explore fundamental genetic processes. After an introduction to the yeasts and filamentous fungi used in genetic studies, including model species and those of economic importance, fungal genetics will include mutant selection and characterisation, complementation tests, meiotic mapping, tetrad analysis and molecular techniques for analysis of gene function. Bacterial genetics will include mutagenesis, selection of mutants, genetic mapping in bacteria, analysis of regulatory mutants, transposable elements, and reverse genetics. The impact of whole genome sequencing (genomics) on the study of gene function will be considered for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic micro-organisms. [return to course structure]
MBB241 Microbial Growth, Structure and Function
The aim of this module is to help students develop a sound understanding of basic microbial physiology by describing in detail the structures of components of a typical bacterial cell and relating them to the functions they fulfil. The mode of action of flagella will be described, and their role in the controlled movement of bacteria will be discussed. Bacterial growth kinetics in batch and continuous culture will be examined and related to production of microbial cells for laboratory experiments and for industrial processes. Aspects of cell biology will be explored using examples from cyanobacteria, myxobacteria and Caulobacter. Secondary metabolism of Streptomyces will be covered along with the role of new types of microscopy in determining cell structure and function. [return to course structure]
MBB242 Biological Energy Transformations
How is energy made available (transduced) for essential microbial functions, such as solute transport, ATP synthesis, motility, and "housekeeping"? We examine the properties of membranes and why energy-transducing systems operate in vesicles like bacterial cytoplasmic membranes. We consider how photosynthesis, respiration, and ATP hydrolysis generate "proticity" (a gradient of protons) and how this powers energy-consuming processes, including operation of the smallest rotary motors known - the ATP synthase and the bacterial flagellar motor. We will address questions such as why certain micro-organisms use energetically less favourable processes like fermentation, how bacteria can respire without oxygen, and why bacteria sometimes "waste" energy. The impact that recent Nobel Prize-winning research has had on these areas is emphasised. [return to course structure]
MBB245 Microorganisms in Human Disease
Microbes that cause human disease include some of the most fascinating - and deadly - of all micro-organisms. This module aims to give students an understanding of the reasons why some microbes are pathogenic; the devices, properties and subterfuges that they use to subvert and fool host defences, and the mechanisms they employ to damage the host. Methods to study host-pathogen interactions are first discussed, followed by an examination of the hosts immune system and other defences employed. Virulence factors are then discussed in more detail and the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microbes, including newly emerging types, are then considered. The module finishes with a section on the weapons we have to combat pathogens, vaccines and antimicrobial agents, including the problem of drug resistance and its mechanisms. [return to course structure]
BMS326 Modelling Human Disease
This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the way that post-genomic developmental biology is impacting on our ability to understand, and treat, human disease. Students will be introduced to some of the major experimental systems and approaches that are pertinent to disease modelling. Thes include genetically-tractable animal model systems, in vitro cellular systems, including stem cells, and bioinformatics. The principles involved in establishing how these systems can be exploited to develop new strategies for regeneration, and the prevention of degeneration, will be explored. Lectures will be interspersed with critical evaluations of primary research papers, so that students gain experience of analysing experimental work, data presentation and interpretation of results. [return to course structure]
MBB303 Cells as Factories
The introductory lecture will introduce students to the idea of "Red" (health care, pharmaceuticals), "Green" (agriculture, food) and "White" (industrial) biotechnology. The topics covered in the course will be organised within this framework. Algal biotechnology is an example of white and green biotechnology leading to the synthesis of bioproducts such as glycerol, beta-carotene and phycocyanin and it can utilise land unfit for agriculture. Bioremediation falls within white biotechnology and utilizes inherent properties of cell metabolism to degrade toxic pollutants of soil and water. Traditional fermentations will be examined for the production of pharmaceuticals (red biotechnology), bioenergy (algal biomass, ethanol fermentation), and fine chemicals (amino acids, antibiotics), all of which are examples of white biotechnology. Modern process systems e.g. immobilised catalysis using plant or animal cells will be discussed in terms of production of vaccines and human growth hormone. Finally, genetic modification systems for the production of peptides will be covered. [return to course structure]
MBB304 Plant Biotechnology
This course considers the application of biotechnology to plants, for both agricultural and research uses. It covers the production of transgenic plants and how this technology has resulted in genetically engineered crop plants that have improved qualities or produce novel plant products. It also covers alternative techniques such as culture-induced variation or marker assisted plant breeding that can be used to produce genetically improved crop varieties without use of genetic engineering. The release of engineered crops is having a major impact on society raising issues of economic, ethical, moral and ecological importance. An appreciation of these issues will be developed. [return to course structure]
MBB306 Virus Infections of Humans
This module aims to introduce students to the major biological properties and characteristics of those groups of viruses particularly associated with the common and important infections of man, and provide an awareness of the transmission, epidemiology, pathogenesis an d control of these virus groups. The module also embraces the basic specific and non-specific host defence mechanisms associated with these infections, the varying interactions of viruses with these defences, and the principles concerned with the diagnosis of viral infections by laboratory procedures. The nature of those viruses that infect man are considered along with a range of associated phenomena - pathogenic mechanisms, viral latency and persistence and viral carcinogenesis. Finally, the control of virus infections through the use of viral vaccines and antiviral chemotherapy, and the mechanistic rationale underlying these topics is discussed. [return to course structure]
MBB308 Molecular Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology
This unit explores how the outlook of biology has changed over recent years through the use of high throughput data and computational methods to construct and test models of cell and organism behaviour. The resultant networks, webs and pathways of interactions and reactions produce system properties that cannot be predicted from the study of the individual molecular components. These network properties, such as emergence, robustness and modular convergent design principles, need to be taken into account when synthesising cells and organisms with novel properties for medical use and for biotechnology, and when trying to perturb disease states for therapeutic purposes. [return to course structure]
MBB313 Genome Stability and Genetic Change
The course examines in detail the mechanisms that generate genetic variation and maintain genome integrity. There is a strong emphasis on eukaryotes. Underlying mechanisms of genetic recombination, mismatch repair, excision repair and mutagenesis will be discussed. Wherever possible, experimental detail is included to illustrate how conclusions on gene function and interactions are determined. [return to course structure]
MBB320 Human Genetics 1
Genetic factors influence our health over our entire life. The first part of the module will consider single gene disorders. We will consider how genes affected in single gene disorders are isolated through positional cloning, which is based on determining their location on the genetic map. Once the genes are identified, the causative mutations can be recognised which allows prenatal diagnosis. Furthermore, the encoded protein can be studied allowing the molecular pathology of the disease to be elucidated. As case studies we will consider Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, trinucleotide repeat expansions, familial speech disorder and hereditary cancers. The second part of the module will be concerned with changes in chromosome structure and number which are also a common cause of disease. We will consider the mechanisms for the orderly segregation of chromosomes during meiosis and the results of mistakes in these processes. [return to course structure]
MBB321 Molecules to Market
This unit will introduce the application of molecular biology in a commercial setting. By considering some specific examples of the stages during the discovery, evaluation and marketing of novel drugs, students will learn to appreciate the forces that determine the successful release of drugs into the market place. Examples will include the development of antibiotics, the lessons to be learned from the use of thalidomide, and more recent examples of therapies targeting the AIDS virus, cancer and the unique story of interferon. Students will develop a business plan for the formation of a small biotechnology company. [return to course structure]
MBB323 Microbial Sensing of the Environment
This module aims to give students an overview of the various mechanisms of control of gene expression in bacteria relevant to environmental sensing. Using specific examples, the principles of "two-component" sensor-regulator systems are illustrated, and the way in which they act as signal transducers is explained. Information about other types of sensor and regulator mechanisms involved in oxygen sensing, chemotaxis, differentiation and microbial pathogenicity is also provided. [return to course structure]
MBB331 Gametes, Embryos and Stem Cells
This module covers the development, function, and manipulation of mammalian gametes and embryos from their formation and differentiation as primordial germ cells up to the time of embryo implantation. Emphasis is placed on cellular and molecular mechanisms of development and function and associated biotechnology. Lectures trace sexual determination, gonadal differentiation and gamete development. The role of assisted reproductive techniques for alleviating human infertility and for animal breeding is explored along with transgenic and cloning techniques. The developmental programme of the early embryo and the role of genomic imprinting are covered along with the emerging field of embryonic stem cells. Finally fertility regulation and effects for reproductive toxicants on reproduction are discussed. [return to course structure]
MBB335 Bacterial Pathogenicity
Infectious diseases account for the majority of deaths worldwide. This will continue to be the case until we have a greater understanding of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and thereby develop counter strategies. This module builds on the principles introduced in MBB245 and begins by showing how molecular genetic approaches are being used to unravel the complex strategies employed by bacterial pathogens. Following an introduction to the regulation of virulence genes, the pathogenic mechanisms of selected bacterial pathogens are explored in detail, demonstrating the involvement of multiple virulence determinants and their genetic regulation in the disease process. Pathogens discussed in detail will include some giving particular cause for concern, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Virulence mechanisms that represent common themes in bacterial pathogenesis will be highlighted and, where applicable, the appearance of antibiotic resistant strains and strategies adopted to tackle this problem will be considered. [return to course structure]
MBB336 Human Genetics 2
Common diseases often run in families but do not show Mendelian segregation characteristic of single gene disorders. Such diseases are influenced by alleles affecting many genes and the risk is also strongly affected by environmental factors. It has long been a goal of human geneticists to identify the risk alleles. Recently, methodologies have been developed for that for the first time are making this possible. The first part of the module will be concerned with complex disease and how the risk alleles are being identified. The second part of the module will be concerned with the function of the genetic testing laboratory. As well as considering the nature of the test used, there will be a discussion of the practical problems faced by the genetic counsellor with an emphasis on ethical dilemmas which often arise. [return to course structure]
MBB339 Evolutionary Genetics
This unit will consider the processes underlying evolutionary change. It will show how changes in gene structure and function can be recognised, how different genes affect the fitness of individuals, how the frequencies of different alleles are altered in populations and how new species develop. The emphasis will be on polymorphisms and evolution of plants, insects and mammals. Material covered includes variations in cell proteins and morphological characters, fitness, migration, genetic drift, breeding systems, types of selection, effects of man-made changes, roles of RNA and DNA genomes, introns and gene duplications, theory of neutral evolution, molecular clocks and molecular phylogeny. [return to course structure]
MBB340 Microbiology of Extreme Environments
The module is divided into three sections. The first section deals with a discussion of the basic metabolic strategies that allow microbes to live, e.g. chemoheterotrophy, chemoautotrophy, phototrophy. This is then followed by a brief survey of the geochemical cycles, e.g. the S and N cycles. The second section is devoted to a study of how microorganisms are able to live in extreme environments on Earth, e.g. salt lakes and hydrothermal vents. The final section deals with the possibility that microorganisms exist in extreme, non-Earth environments such as Mars. This section concludes with a discussion of how life might have originated on the prebiotic Earth. [return to course structure]
MBB342 Genetics of Cell Growth and Division
This unit will illustrate how genetic approaches have been used to identify the components and the mechanisms of eukaryotic cell growth and division. Examples will be chosen from a range of eukaryotic organisms from fungi to animal cells. Material to be covered includes the cell cycle and its control by internal and external signals, role of the cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins in chromosome separation, nuclear movement, polar growth and cytokinesis; also unique events of meiosis. [return to course structure]
MBB344 Functional Genomics
This unit builds on MBB203 and addresses the current experimental strategies for elucidating functional information from the growing number of organisms for which genome sequences are now available. The course begins with a consideration of bioinformatics approaches, including comparative genomics, before dealing in detail with RNA interference and its application to the analysis of gene function. The postgenomic experimental fields of transcriptomics and proteomics will form the second part of the course, including methods for studying protein/protein interactions. Selected examples will be given of how such studies are informing our understanding of fundamental biological phenomena such as regulation of gene expression and development, and how they can be applied to the study of disease, and to diagnostics development and drug discovery. [return to course structure]
MBB360 Laboratory Project
The module aims to give students experience of laboratory research, and to develop practical and organisational skills essential to a scientific career. Students undertake a research project related to their degree subject(s) and submit their work as a word-processed report, written in the style of a research publication. Projects are undertaken under the supervision of a member of academic staff, and are related to the research activities ongoing in the Department. Most placements are in labs within the Department, but a small proportion of students undertake projects in other locations, such as the Medical School. There are also opportunities to carry out projects that do not involve laboratory work. Students develop skills in the design and execution of experiments, and in the collation, presentation and interpretation of data. [return to course structure]
MBB361 Library Project
In this module students are required to write a dissertation on a topic of their choice. The aim is to develop skills of several types: information technology skills will be required in designing and implementing a strategy for obtaining information from the literature; analytical and interpretative skills will be needed in assessing this information as it accumulates; and presentation skills will be called upon in writing the dissertation. [return to course structure]
MBB363 Genetics Data Handling
Analysis and interpretation of genetic data are essential skills for any geneticist. The purpose of this module is to develop these skills through a directed programme of reading, discussion and question answering, based on a series of research papers. [return to course structure]
MBB364 Microbiology Data Handling
The module aims to develop problem solving, interpretative and numerical skills by the study of deductive questions drawn from the broad area of microbiology. Students will gain experience in the handling, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data. [return to course structure]