Molecular biology is a specialized branch, the study of the chemistry of biological molecules which are specifically connected to living processes. Of particular importance to molecular biology are the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and the proteins which are constructed using the genetic instructions encoded in those molecules. As a result, molecular biology techniques are at the forefront of most cutting edge scientific research. Molecular biology provides scientists with a toolkit with which they may “tinker” with the way life works. They may use them to determine the function of single genes or proteins, and find out what would happen if that gene or protein was absent or faulty. Molecular biology is used to examine when and why certain genes are switched “on” or “off”.

Aims and Objectives

Molecular biology deals with

• Nucleic acids and proteins and how these molecules interact within the cell to promote proper growth, division, and development. .
• To provide with the core principles of  molecular biology
• To understand about basic principles and methods of different techniques and their importance.

Learning outcomes:

At the end students will be able to understand

• How DNA which stores all the information can be isolated and manipulated
• How genetically modified organisms can be prepared by using different techniques
• How a gene can be cloned and how’s its expression can be checked

How advanced techniques can be helpful to combat with genetically inherited diseases

Assessment criteria:

• Sessional (Attendance, assignment & presentation) 10 Marks
• Practical Exam           15 Marks
• Mid Term Exam         30 Marks
• Final Term Marks       45 Marks

Recommended Texts

1. Nelson, D., & Cox, M., (2017). Lehninger: principles of biochemistry (7th ed.). London: W.H. Freeman-Macmillan Learning.
2. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Kaiser, C., Krieger, M. & Bretscher, A., (2016). Molecular cell biology (8th ed.). London: W.H. Freeman-Macmillan Learning.

Suggested Readings

1. Venkat, B.,Sahijram, R.& Murthy, K., (2015). Plant biology and biotechnology (1st ed.). Berlin: Springers-Verlag.
2. Clark, D., Pazdernik, N. &  McGehee, M., (2019). Molecular biology (1st ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier Inc.