CELB40200 The RNA World

Academic Year 2020/2021

Life probably originated as a self-replicating RNA molecule. This was enabled by RNA’s unique versatility, simultaneously encoding information, catalysing chemical reactions and adopting complex structures. In the intervening 4 billion years of evolution, specialized roles have been outsourced to DNA and protein. Nevertheless, RNA remains at the heart of molecular biology, playing fundamental roles in translation and gene expression. Recently, we have come to appreciate that a diverse cast of regulatory RNAs underlie the complex gene regulatory networks that direct both healthy and diseased cells. Today, RNA-based tools are at the forefront of biotechnology and medicine. This module will cover the entire scope of RNA biology, with a particular emphasis on its regulatory roles in mammalian cells, and biotechnological / biomedical applications.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of RNA, from the perspective of biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, medicine, biotechnology and the evolution of life on Earth. You will understand the experimental and analytic tools used to study RNA, particularly those based on next generation sequencing technology. You will understand how RNA can be engineered to manipulate genomes and to treat disease. You will be able to interpret a variety of data from the primary literature.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and student presentations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Presentation: Students will prepare a short presentation within a provided template, reviewing a publication of their choice from amongst a list provided. Unspecified n/a Graded No

30
Examination: A written examination covering lecture material. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded Yes

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Exam: Opportunity given for individual feedback after exam. Presentation: Group feedback post assessment.

Name Role
Professor Paul McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Antoinette Perry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jeremy Simpson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Lorna Donlon Tutor