Gene Expression in Action - BIO00074I

«Back to module search

Module summary

Gene expression lies at the core of how cells function and respond to their environment. This module focuses on eukaryotes and starts by exploring molecular mechanisms of transcription, translation and epigenetic control that determines when and where genes are expressed. It will then build on this knowledge to explore the importance of gene expression in various biological contexts including cancer, multicellular development and behaviour.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2026-27

Module aims

The module aims to deepen understanding of how gene expression is regulated and studied. It highlights the importance of gene expression control and the consequences of its failure. The module develops critical thinking and data analysis skills. Its content supports multiple Stage 3 modules, including Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Advanced Topics in Gene Expression, and Genetics of Disease.

Module learning outcomes

1. Explain key mechanisms involved in eukaryotic gene expression and its control

2. Understand experimental and bioinformatics approaches commonly used to study gene expression

3. Apply module knowledge to research the control of a novel gene including identification of evidence.

 

 

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Module feedback

Marks for all summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.

For exam-style summative assessment, model answers will be provided for all questions along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Marks achieved per question will be added to your script.

For coursework assessments (eg. reports or essays) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.

During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.

Indicative reading

These are available through the VLE module site.