Regulating Gene Expression (C7132)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

On this module, you'll take a current perspective of the molecular mechanisms controlling RNA expression in eukaryotes, focusing largely on gene transcription and translation but also RNA processing and regulation by non-coding RNAs.

You will explore how eukaryotic transcriptional regulators control RNA polymerase recruitment and retention and modulate chromatin structure during transcriptional activation and repression. You will also focus on mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene control and protein translation.

Understanding these processes and mechanisms is fundamental for your understanding of the regulation of normal cell growth and how it can become deregulated in diseases like cancer.

Teaching

79%: Lecture
21%: Seminar

Assessment

30%: Coursework (Essay)
70%: Examination (Computer-based examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 32 hours of contact time and about 118 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.