NBIK15011U Experimental Molecular Genetics

Volume 2024/2025
Education

MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject

Content

Principles of genetics and genomics at the molecular level will be explored to give students a solid grasp of the genetic approaches used for solving biological and medical problems and the use of genetic model systems to understand basic biological mechanisms. Topics include mechanisms of recombination, gene conversion and repair; gene expression, chromatin and regulation; gene functions and networks, and isolation of specific suppressor mutants which will be identified by DNA sequencing. These topics will be studied in the laboratory both theoretically and experimentally. The laboratory exercises use S pombe and E. coli as a model system for molecular genetics. The participants will also obtain experience in searching and analyzing gene sequences in databases, and in reading and presenting original articles that illuminate the above subjects.

Learning Outcome

The overall goal of the course is for students to understand the genetics that underlie modern biology including the genetics of human diseases, genetic screens and diagnostics.
Participants will develop quantitative, analytical skills with which to critically interpret experimental data and solve problems in classical and molecular genetics. The knowledge gained by the experimental work will enable the student to subsequently apply genetic approaches in understanding biological system in general. Another goal is to train the students in oral presentation of their own scientific data. This includes practice in (i) critically read original literature during group discussions, (ii) prepare and present their own experimental results (iii) and evaluate original research articles.

Knowledge:

  • The participants in the course will acquire a solid background in the principles of genetics and get an introduction to the latest developments while integrating genetics and molecular biology.
  • The acquired knowledge will enable the student to apply the genetic approach to gain an understanding of biological systems in general.
  • The laboratory experiments will give the student practical skills and an understanding of the aim, results and perspectives of the laboratory exercises.


Skills:

  • Participants will develop practical laboratory skills with a range of techniques within molecular genetics.
  • They will actively participate as a member of the audience in the article training sessions and the data presentations.
  • They will present and discuss the results of the laboratory exercises.
  • Participants should demonstrate an understanding of collection and interpretation of original experimental data in the designated research area and be able to critically evaluate their interpretation as presented in the papers selected.


Competences:

  • The student will be able to integrate material from various scientific topics and suggest mechanistic models.
  • The student will be able to present a scientific article and also act as a questioner/opponent for a scientific discussion.

See Absalon.

The course is open to students at the Master level as well as students at the Bachelor level and others with a relevant biological background including more than basic knowledge in genetics and molecular biology. Thus, it is highly recommended either to follow the course Theoretical Molecular Genetics (NBIK15017U) in parallel or to have a genetic background corresponding to the content of this course.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures, laboratory exercises, theoretical sessions.
To obtain a full block understanding modern genetics, this course is fully integrated with the course NBIK15017U - Theoretical Molecular Genetics.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 6
  • Preparation
  • 126
  • Theory exercises
  • 14
  • Laboratory
  • 60
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Individual
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, Continuous
Type of assessment details
Written report prepared throughout the course and handed in at the ending of the course.
Exam registration requirements

Active participation in minimum 80% of exercises.

Oral presentation of experimental results.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam

The students must readmit the written report as arranged with the course responsible.

Students who do not fulfill the requirements for attending the ordinary exam will have to follow the course again.

 

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to pass the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.