DNA gel electrophoresis
Writing up the case study
Part 1: Background to the case
(1) Write an article on genetic analysis of the human genome, considering how variation has a potential use in health screening and the positive and negative implications of such a screening tool (750 words).For your research article you should include:
• In-text references throughout the article to acknowledge where your information is from
• Write in an impersonal style. There is a document in Blackboard on Writing for Science which provides some useful tips.
Part 2: Practical write-up
For Part 2 of the case study you will need to write up the experiment you perform. This should include a title, aim, brief introduction, full methods, results and a conclusion. This should be no longer than 750 words. You should write in the past tense throughout, and include in-text references where necessary and a full reference list at the end. The
Introduction Write a brief original introduction to the background of the practical topic (please do not copy the practical schedule). Include in-text citations using the Harvard style.
Aim of the experiment. Provide a clear statement of the aims
Methods Provide a full write-up of methods in continuous flowing text NOT using bullet points. Since on this occasion you have been asked for a full write up of methods it is not acceptable to just write ‘we followed the practical schedule provided’. You need to provide a succinct overview of everything you did. Remember use past tense and the third person.
Results There should be a text description of your results. Include your gel electrophoresis image here with a figure number and descriptive caption underneath the figure. Only say what is seen on the gel, save the interpretation for the discussion.
• Discussion Provide a full discussion of your results. It is here that you should be interpreting/explaining what you have found. If possible, relate your discussion to relevant literature; include in-text citations using the Harvard style. It is important that you relate your discussion to your practical aims and the material included within your introduction. Some pointers to consider:
o Does the subject DNA contain the SNP? If yes, how do you know this? If no, why not? And how have you shown this?
o Is the subject homozygous wildtype, heterozygous, or homozygous for the SNP? What do these terms mean? How have you come to this decision?
o Estimate the DNA fragment sizes produced (using the λDNA cut with Hind III). Consider the CU85 mutation, could this have an impact on enzyme activity and why? (you will need to consider the size fragments of the digest and potential position of the SNP- and gene expression. How could this be tested?)
o How might a single nucleotide within the gene have an effect on protein structure of the enzyme?
References Use the Harvard style of referencing, not a numbering system. It is essential that in-text reference citations are used for this report. Also include a reference list at the end of the document. The reference list is NOT included in the word count.
Document presentation style:
Use Arial font, size 12, 1.5 line spacing and include page numbers
Cover sheet (include title, name and student id.) Anyone who has an
electronic Learning Support Entitlement should paste the LSE at the start of their work.
Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria for the case study will be:
Identification and illustration of key issues (50 %)
Coverage of background to the case; addresses assignment questions;
demonstrates an understanding of the structure of DNA and single nucleotide polymorphisms and provides important and potential applications of the detection of SNPs to personal health screening and the issues that may arise.
Evidence of understanding and interpretation (40%)
The report is clearly written, with valid argument and breadth of reasoning; the practical methods are reproducible, the results are described and fully interpreted; support for key points is provided throughout with appropriate scientific evidence; scientific literature is used throughout to illustrate understanding;
Structure and Presentation (10 %)
overall coherence of work; appropriate and logical sequencing of work;
includes correctly formatted information on cover page; proper headings, fonts
& spacing; includes page numbers on the report ; proper use of legends and
numbering on any figures or tables; uses accurate spelling including correct
terminology; adequate and appropriate in-text referencing; consistent and
correct referencing style used; in-text references match references in the
reference list).
Marking rubric for the Case study
Excellent
Good
Average
Weak
Poor/Fail
Fail
Scale
5
4
3
2
1
0
Identification and illustration of key issues (50 %)
An excellent case-based report with no significant deficiencies in the coverage of assignment questions and/or key issues but with a number of minor errors. Well defined focus, reflecting a good knowledge of material.
All expected components of the report are present, with good content. There are one or two minor deficiencies in key areas.
All expected components are present in an acceptable form, although there are a number of significant deficiencies in key issues.
Not all expected components have been covered. There are one or two major flaws.
There are a number of major flaws. Evidence of a lack of basic knowledge.
There has been no attempt at identifying and illustrating the key issues required for an acceptable case-based report.
Evidence of understanding and interpretation: (40%)
An excellent case-based report with no significant deficiencies in the validity or reasoning of arguments and production of supporting evidence
A well reasoned report with no significant deficiencies in validity and/or reasoning of arguments, with supporting evidence
General outcomes achieved, with one or two significant deficiencies in validity and/or reasoning of arguments.
Outcome at threshold level. Unable to present reasoned arguments.
A number of major flaws in validity of arguments and lack of understanding.
There has been no attempt in producing a well reasoned case-based report
Structure and Presentation (10%)
An excellent case-based report with the exception of one or two minor errors in either presentation or structure
A well written case-base report with no significant deficiencies in structure, presentation or referencing but a few minor errors or deficiencies
The main required outcomes of structure and presentation have been achieved although one or two significant deficiencies present.
A number of significant deficiencies in structure, presentation and/or referencing.
The report has major deficiencies throughout, in presentation, structure and referencing of the case-based report.
The report has not approached the requested format of structure and presentation
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