Page 104 - FULL FINAL HANDBOOK 20232024

Faculty of Science Handbook, Academic Session 2023/2024
Faculty of Science Handbook, Academic Session 2023/2024

SIR2013 VIROLOGY Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment: 50%
Structure and Characteristics of Viruses: Building of viral Final Examination: 50%
capsid structures, the types of viral capsids and
nucleocapsids, virus envelope, the types of viral proteins
and nucleic acids. The principles of viral taxonomy; SIR2018 MOLECULAR GENETICS
replication: The structure of viruses and their replicative
cycle, the rationale behind the Baltimore classification This course includes topics involved in eukaryotic DNA
system of viruses and example viruses for each Baltimore replication, gene transcription and translation. The topics
group, genome expression (RNA transcription and protein covered: Eukaryotic genome, C-value paradox, histones
translation) based on Baltimore groups, viral genome and non-histone proteins, heterochromatin and
replication, and assembly of viral components to form new euchromatin, classes of DNA, DNA replication in
viruses. Virus pathogenesis: Virus transmission, virus eukaryotes, transcription, RNA polymerases I, II and III,
infection phases, virus entry into gene regulation in eukaryotes, various control and
cells, the interaction virus-host and mechanisms of disease, regulatory elements, pre-mRNA processing and alternative
and measurements for prevention and control of viral splicing, RNA processing events (rRNA, tRNA, trans-
diseases. splicing, RNA-editing), posttranscriptional control of gene
expression, transcriptional regulation (DNA binding
Assessment Methods: domains), and transcriptional regulation through signal
Continuous Assessment: 50% transduction pathway.
Final Examination: 50%
Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment: 50%
SIR2014 MICROBIOLOGY PRACTICAL Final Examination: 50%

In this course, students will be introduced to principles of
laboratory techniques related to virology, immunology and SIR2019 GENOMES
bacteriology such as serological and molecular assays.
Discussion on the current technologies used to further This course introduces prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral
enhance knowledge in the above fields will be conducted. genomes and techniques for studying these genomes. The
This course will provide the necessary knowledge and topics of this course include: Genome sequencing
specific skills to have hands-on experience in microbiology technologies, genome assembly and annotations, genome
laboratories. sequencing projects, genome anatomies, genome
functional identification, transcriptomics, proteomics,
Assessment Methods: epigenomics and other –omics technologies.
Continuous Assessment: 100%
Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment: 50%
SIR2015 MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY Final Examination: 50%

Growth, stress response, injuries, starvation and death.
Morphogenesis. Structure and function of membranes, SIR2020 GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
movement and chemotaxis. Aggregation and biofilm PRACTICAL II
formation. Energy production: aerobic and anaerobic.
Anapleurotic pathways. Photosynthesis. The practical classes emphasize on learning laboratory
Biosyntesis of macromolecules. Storage materials approaches to DNA, RNA and protein assays requiring
secondary metabolites. Microbs and metals. hands-on bench-work and biological data analysis. The
introductory lectura prior to the wet lab covers the theory
Assessment Methods: behind the experiment and some of the techniques. This
Continuous Assessment: 50% practical module focuses on the eukaryotic system in
Final Examination: 50% animal and plant cells. Techniques will include the
principles of DNA extraction, RNA extraction, protein
extraction, Sanger sequencing, multiple sequence
SIR2016 EUKARYOTIC MICROORGANISMS alignment, BLAST, oligonucleotide design; synthesis,
quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, western
This course will cover the origin and evolution of eukaryotic blotting, one and two dimensional electrophoresis. Recent
microorganisms, diversity and classification of fungi, advances in Genomics analysis will also be briefly taught.
importance of fungi to plant and animal health, the economy
and environment, symbiotic relationship of fungi as Assessment Methods:
mycorrhizae and lichen, diversity and importance of algae Continuous Assessment: 100%
to health and the environment, diversity of protozoa and
their importance to human health.
SIR3018 BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY
Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment: 50% Awareness on the importance of biosafety and biosecurity
Final Examination: 50% that arises within the profession and scientific research of
microbiology and genetics. Case studies of biosafety and
SIR2017 MICROBIAL ECOLOGY biosecurity and relevant biorisk management will be
discussed. The importance of lab safety and accreditation
Microorganism and ecological theory. Microbial population will also be explored.
and community dynamics. Role of microorganisms in
elemental cycles. Microorganisms in natural environments; Assessment Methods:
growth, interaction and adaptation. Marine microbial food Continuous Assessment: 100%
web and climate change.

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