Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Eukaryotic Gene Expression
School	School of Bioscience
Department	School of Biosciences
Module Code	03 21645
Module Lead	Dr Steve Minchin
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites	LI Genetics II - (03 13160) LC Genetics I - (03 23320)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	7146 MSci Biochemistry FT; 7147 MSci Human Biology FT; 7148 MSci Biology and Computing (Bioinformatics) FT; 7149 MSci Biological Sciences FT. The module is optional for these programmes.
Contact Hours	Lecture-30 hours Seminar-2 hours Practical Classes and workshops-8 hours Guided independent study-160 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	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. Students will also learn about the importance of non-coding RNAs including miRNAs. The biological importance of post-transcriptional control will be illustrated by discussions of topics including gene imprinting, x-chromosome inactivation, nonsense mediated decay. The course is taught as a series of lectures. In addition, communication and examination skills will be developed in a series of workshops in which students will develop the ability to research, critically evaluate, assimilate and precis information, this will help students develop the skills to write high quality examination essays introducing information from outside the lecture. The element of continuous assessment for this module will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to research and critically evaluate the latest research and summarise information in a piece of written work.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate a broad understanding 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 Demonstrate an ability to explain a complex concept in a graphical format
Assessment	21645-03 : Extended Essay : Coursework (50%) 21645-04 : 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)
Other
Reading List