Bioinformatics

Learning Outcomes

Advances in DNA sequencing have resulted in an explosion of information available to scientists. Students will develop skills to decipher this information and further understand the code for life. On completion of this unit, students will gain a range of experiences in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and how biotechnology is changing every aspect of our world.

The course is structured around 3 big questions:

• What are the instructions for life? Students will develop an understanding of DNA, RNA, genes, proteins, gene mutations.
• What technologies help us to analyse and manipulate life? Students will develop an understanding of PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, online databases.
• What does the future hold for biotechnology? Students will investigate the major advances in biotechnology and how technology is rapidly advancing our understanding of life.

Homework

Students will be required to complete on average 1 hour of homework per week for the duration of this course.

Assessment

For successful completion of this unit students will be required to submit the following tasks:  

• Gene and Protein Research Investigation:
  Students research a protein, use online databases to DNA sequence protein code and explore the protein structure and function in depth.
• Topic Test :
  Students will be tested on the content of the course, ranging from the structure and function of DNA to genes, proteins and biotechnology.