Qualification Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Unit number
and title Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Learning
D: Explore basic DNA techniques and the use of genetic engineering
aim(s) (For
technologies.
NQF only)
Assignment Basic DNA techniques and genetic engineering technology
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
Vocational
been asked to help work placement students understand how to carry
Scenario or
out practicals to extract, amplify and separate DNA, and understand
Context
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 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 a laboratory book with practical write ups of each practical
evidence carried out to extract, amplify and separate DNA
required
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.
Explain the use of genetic engineering technologies in industry and
D.P7
medicine.
Sources of http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/
information to
support you https://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/gm_crops_food.pdf
with this
Assignment https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/therapy/procedures
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/embyonic-stem-cell-
trial-macular-degeneration.aspx
Above are some examples of websites. Further useful
resources may be found at:
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/published-
resources.html#step1
Other
assessment
materials
, attached to
this
Assignment
Brief
Learner declaration
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. I have clearly
referenced any sources used in the work. I understand that false declaration is a form of
malpractice. By uploading this document, I certify that the evidence submitted for this
assignment is my own. I have clearly referenced any sources used in the work. I
understand that false declaration is a form of malpractice.
Learner signature: Date: