Micro-Credential in Recombinant DNA Technology
Programme Overview
The course deals with the knowledge of the replication and expression of genetic information. Recombinant DNA technology enables the students to identify, isolate, amplify, analyze and express virtually any genetic material, whether it is DNA or RNA. The course will offer comprehensive training in the essential skills of recombinant DNA technology which is crucial in the industry to gain jobs in private, government, scientific, clinical, educational and commercial organizations. Some of the concepts taught will be applied in the laboratory practical. Students will have the opportunity to hands on the isolation of genomic DNA, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR amplification, and preparation of competent cells.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course participants should be able to:
- Describe the recombinant DNA techniques used in the purification, manipulation, restriction and cloning of DNA
- Demonstrate experiments on recombinant DNA technology
- Discuss about the biological aspects in recombinant DNA technology in a group
- Analyze the new innovative ideas and concept related to recombinant DNA technology
- Present orally on recombinant DNA technology
Course Progression
Credits from this Micro-Credential Programme are transferable to the following full academic programme:
- Degree of Biotechnology
Assessments
- Coursework 80%
- Final Examination 20%
Study Plan for Micro-Credential in Recombinant DNA Technology
Week 1
| INTRODUCTION TO GENE CLONING · What is gene cloning? · Basic steps of gene cloning · Importance of gene cloning · The applications of gene cloning and DNA analysis in Biotechnology
RESTRICTION AND MODIFICATION ENZYMES · Restriction enzymes · Types of restriction enzyme · Cleavage patterns · Classification of restriction endonucleases
| Lecture Tutorial |
Week 2
| RESTRICTION AND MODIFICATION ENZYMES · Modification enzymes · Modification of restriction enzymes Gel electrophoresis · Banding patterns Practical 1 · Preparation of competent cells
VECTORS FOR GENE CLONING · Plasmids · Plasmid classification · Bacteriophages · Lambda and M13 bacteriophages
| Lecture Practical |
Week 3
| PURIFICATION OF DNA FROM LIVING CELLS · Preparation of total cell DNA · Growing and harvesting a bacterial culture · Preparing of a cell extract
Assignment 1 Oral presentation 1
PURIFICATION OF DNA FROM LIVING CELLS · Preparation of DNA from a cell extract · Concentration of DNA samples · Preparation of plasmid DNA · Preparation of bacteriophages DNA
Practical 2 · Extraction of genomic DNA using CTAB method Mid-term test
| Lecture Practical Test |
Week 4
| MANIPULATION OF PURIFIED DNA · DNA manipulative enzymes · Nucleases · Ligases · Polymerases
THE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION · The polymerase chain reaction in outline · Designing the oligonucleotide primers · Working out the correct temperatures · After the PCR: studying PCR products
Practical 3 Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) | Lecture Practical |
Week 5
| GEL ELECTROPHORESIS & PCR PRODUCT CLONING · Gel electrophoresis of PCR products · Cloning PCR products
Practical 4 · Gel electrophoresis and data analysis
SEQUENCING GENES AND GENOMES · The methodology for DNA sequencing · Chain termination DNA sequencing · Pyrosequencing · Genome sequencing
| Lecture Tutorial Practical |
Week 6
| GENE EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION · Studying the RNA transcript of a gene · Detecting the presence of a transcript · Transcript mapping by hybridization · Transcript analysis by primer extension
GENE EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION · Transcript analysis by PCR · Studying the regulation of gene expression · Identifying protein binding sites · Identifying control sequences
Assignment 2
Oral presentation 2
| Lecture Presentation Assignment |
Week 7
| GENE CLONING AND DNA ANALYSIS IN MEDICINE · Production of recombinant pharmaceuticals · Identification of genes responsible for human diseases · Gene therapy
Practical test | Lecture Test |
Week 8
| Final Examination | Conclusion Session Awarding of Certificates Presentation by VC or Representative of VC
|
Why Micro-Credential in Lincoln University College (LUC), Malaysia?
Micro-credentials in Lincoln University College (LUC), Malaysia offer a flexible, targeted, and accelerated pathway of acquiring industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of today’s evolving job market. Designed for students, professionals, and individuals seeking to upskill or reskill, credentials offer learning experiences and formally recognized certifications, with enhanced employability, and serving as stepping stones to higher qualifications. LUC’s micro-credential programs are supported by strong academic frameworks and offer clear progression pathways into full-fledged degree programs. After completing this Micro-credential course, professionals can use their updated skills to apply for promotions or switch to a different job role.