Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is essential for development and physiological function in health and disease. The undoubted complexity of multicellular organisms arises from the differential expression of the genetic material, which is essentially the same in all cells. What makes humans different to other mammals is not major difference in gene content, but differences in the expression of homologous genes.
The module will initially cover generic features of the transcription machinery, the role of regulatory proteins in controlling gene transcription and the importance of chromatin structure. This will lead into a more detailed analysis of the control of gene transcription and its role in development, health and disease.
It will then cover the mechanisms such as post-transcriptional pre-mRNA processing, mRNA degradation and translation. More in depth coverage will discuss the how post-transcriptional processes can be controlled to regulate gene expression.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a broad understanding of the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes
Demonstrate academic excellence in terms of subject specific knowledge of the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes
Demonstrate independent critical thinking
Research recent developments in a specific topic in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes and evaluate the evidence for our current understanding of the topic.
Assessment
11221-04 : Primer Article : Coursework (50%)
11221-05 : Examination : Exam (Centrally timetabled) - Computer based (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Examination in the examination period for the module (50%); In-course assessment comprising: a piece of extended writing. (50%). Reassessment:
Resit examination in the supplementary period (worth 100% of the module)