Paper instructions:
Link to experiments manual. http://users.stlcc.edu/Departments/fvbio/Genetic_Analyzer_ABI_Biorad_Complete%20Cloning%20and%20Sequencing%20Explorer%20Series%20Curriculum%20Manual.pdf
REMEMBER TO KEEP TO THE BRIEF AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Brief:
There are two key ways in which you will be assessed in this assignment: the first is your conduct and practice in the laboratory and the second is the record you make of this practical experience. During the practical elements of the assignment you will be given the challenge of cloning a gene by PCR, ligation into plasmid vector DNA, amplification in bacteria, purification and then sequencing and an analysis of the sequence data. You are required to submit a record of your experimental work where you will use the standard scientific report structure namely a title, brief introduction, health and safety considerations, method, the results you obtain and appropriate conclusions. You are also required at the end of each piece of experimental work to analyse your performance and suggest areas for improvement. The title, introduction (for the most part), health and safety considerations and method will be given to you and so the marks for the write up will be gained by fully presenting and interpreting your results and using additional research to inform that interpretation and the process of drawing conclusions. Research will also need to be used to inform your analysis of your performance in order to provide you with the information required to suggest ways in which the outcome could have been improved upon.
Assessment Criteria:
1. Demonstration of technical skills during practical work in the laboratory (30%) This has already been done.
2. Record of experimental work with the correct structure including results, and conclusions. (35%)
3. Evaluation of performance including suggestions for improvement. (25%)
Identification of relevant texts which the report will refer to using the Harvard referencing system outlined in the assignment handbook. (10%)
Word count: 2000 (for results, conclusions and analysis)
I HAVE INCLUDED A FILE called notes that will tell you know how to structure this paper, I will update this file soon to include results in note form for you to make sense off and write up.
The writer must be English as it is to be written in English, not American or Chinese English. Would rather that not so many American (uni/college) websites were referenced either, I hope you know what I mean by this.
HAVE INCLUDED ANOTHER FILE called example of a past paper that shows what harvard referencing should look like called EXAMPLE PLEASE LOOK AT THIS.
YOU MUST LOOK AT JOURNALS FOR THIS. Where possible reference from up to date journals (from the last four years) and reference from the suggested reading list at the bottom of the instructions. As a rule use around 1 reference (from different sources) for every 100 words, use journals mainly, up to date books and try to stay away from webpages.
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Assignment Title: Practical demonstration of molecular biology techniques including laboratory report
Learning Outcomes:
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply underpinning theory to current methods and techniques used in recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.
4. Demonstrate technical proficiency in molecular biological techniques.
Rationale:
Recombinant DNA techniques form the toolkit of the modern molecular biologist. These techniques have allowed scientists to investigate the complex workings of cells and organisms and also to develop medicines, therapies and genetically modified organisms. This assignment provides the opportunity for students to practice some of these techniques and develop useful practical skills. The assignment also provides the opportunity for the student to record, analyse, interpret and reflect upon this practical experience.
Brief:
There are two key ways in which you will be assessed in this assignment: the first is your conduct and practice in the laboratory and the second is the record you make of this practical experience. During the practical elements of the assignment you will be given the challenge of cloning a gene by PCR, ligation into plasmid vector DNA, amplification in bacteria, purification and then sequencing and an analysis of the sequence data. You are required to submit a record of your experimental work where you will use the standard scientific report structure namely a title, brief introduction, health and safety considerations, method, the results you obtain and appropriate conclusions. You are also required at the end of each piece of experimental work to analyse your performance and suggest areas for improvement. The title, introduction (for the most part), health and safety considerations and method will be given to you and so the marks for the write up will be gained by fully presenting and interpreting your results and using additional research to inform that interpretation and the process of drawing conclusions. Research will also need to be used to inform your analysis of your performance in order to provide you with the information required to suggest ways in which the outcome could have been improved upon.
Assessment Criteria:
4. Demonstration of technical skills during practical work in the laboratory (30%) This has been done.
5. Record of experimental work with the correct structure including results, and conclusions. (35%)
6. Evaluation of performance including suggestions for improvement. (25%)
Identification of relevant texts which the report will refer to using the Harvard referencing system outlined in the assignment handbook. (10%)
Word count: 2000 (for results, conclusions and analysis)
Format:
All text should be fully justified, size 12 Arial font, with 1.5 line spacing, and normal margins. The report should contain page numbers and a header indicating your name, the module code and the assignment title. You must include a completed assignment submission cover sheet. Reference relevant sources in the referencing style as described in Pears and Shields (2010) Cite them Right. 8th edn. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Indicative reading:
Brown, T., A. (2010) Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis. 6th edition. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN-13: 978-1405181730
CLEAPSS (2010) CLEAPSS Laboratory Handbook, Recipe Cards and Hazcards CLEAPSS Secondary Source, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Uxbridge.
Gallagher, S., Wiley, E. (2008) Current Protocols: Essential Laboratory Techniques. London: WileyBlackwell. ISBN-13: 978-0470089934
Micklos, D., A., Freyer, G., A. (1990) DNA Science: A First Course in Recombinant DNA Technology. Burlington: Cold Spring Harbour Press. ISBN-13: 978-0892784110
Nicholl, D. (2008) An Introduction to Genetic Engineering. 3rd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0521615211
Sambrook, J., Russell, D. (2000) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 3rd edition. New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. ISBN-13: 978-0879695767
Watson, J., D., Gilman, M., Witkowski, J., Zoller, M. (1992) Recombinant DNA. 2nd edition. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company. ISBN-13: 978-0716722823
Watson, J., D., Caudy, A., Myers, R., Witkowski, J. (2007) Recombinant DNA: Genes and Genomes “ A Short Course. 3rd Edition. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company. ISBN-13: 978-1429203128
Journals:
Nature Genetics, Trends in Genetics, Nature Reviews Genetics, Genetics, Journal of Medical Genetics, European Journal of Human Genetics, American Journal of Human Genetics, BMC Genetics
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