Unit 11 Assignment D - btec applied science

BTEC Assignment Brief
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied
Qualification
Science
Unit number and title
Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Learning aim(s) (For D: Explore basic DNA techniques and the use of genetic
NQF only) engineering technologies.
Basic DNA techniques and genetic engineering technology
Assignment title
Assessor
Issue date
Hand in deadline


As a trainee lab technician working for a medical research
company, you must be able to extract, amplify and separate
samples of DNA. Your company offers work placements for sixth
form students. You have been asked to help work placement
Vocational Scenario or
students understand how to carry out practicals to extract,
Context
amplify and separate DNA, and understand how and why these
technologies are used in different industries, and the potential use
for them in the future, by producing a laboratory book and
illustrative report.

Task Produce a laboratory book that records how you competently
carried out three separate experiments to extract, amplify and
separate DNA.

You must carry out:

 DNA extraction (chromosomes or plasmids) from biological
samples
 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the DNA
samples
 Gel electrophoresis to separate the amplified DNA

Your tutor/assessor will complete an observation record to
validate your competency in carrying out the practical work. It will
clearly detail how you methodically prepared and carried out the
practicals and prevented contamination.

You are required to evaluate possible future uses of genetic
engineering technologies once you have analysed and
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BTEC Assignment Brief v1.1
BTEC Internal Assessment QDAM January 2015

, explained the uses of genetic engineering technologies in
industry and medicine. In order to do this, you must:


 Explain and analyse, in an illustrated report, the current
uses and relevance of genetic engineering technologies (DNA
extraction, DNA amplification, gel electrophoresis, and
transformation of cells) in industry and medicine. You should
include the scientific principles behind each technology.

 Using real-life examples, include reasons for carrying out
each technology and the benefits to the relevant sector,
including an appraisal of efficacy and cost.

 Evaluate the possible future uses of generic engineering
technologies.

 Research the strengths and weaknesses, advantages and
disadvantages of genetic technologies (DNA extraction, DNA
amplification, gel electrophoresis, and transformation of
cells) to speculate, in an informed manner, about specific
future uses of generic engineering technologies. Your
counterarguments must include discussion of the reliability
and validity of the use of the technologies.

 You must accurately reference your sources.

Checklist of evidence  a laboratory book with practical write ups of each practical
required carried out to extract, amplify and separate DNA

 an observation record to validate your competency in the
practical work

 an illustrated report, analysing and explaining genetic
engineering technologies and evaluating possible future uses.

Criteria covered by this task:
Unit/Criteria
To achieve the criteria, you must show that you are able to:
reference
Evaluate possible future uses of genetic engineering technologies.
D.D4
Analyse the uses of genetic engineering technologies in industry and
D.M6 medicine.


D.P6 Extract, separate and amplify DNA.


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BTEC Assignment Brief v1.1
BTEC Internal Assessment QDAM January 2015