NPLB17003U Experimental Molecular Biology
BSc Programme in Biotechnology
The course offers experimental platforms to acquire hands-on experience with techniques relevant to biotechnology. The choice of topics ensures that the students learn about standard methods in molecular biology and biochemistry. Additionally, the course comprises an introduction to how to critically read and interpret scientific literature.
The students will gain experience with a wide-range of both basic and advanced experimental methods in molecular biology, e.g. extraction of DNA and RNA, PCR, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, cloning, primer and vector design, transformation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, heterologous gene expression, protein purification, immunoblotting, histochemical analyses, enzyme kinetics, bioimaging and basic bioinformatics and data analysis. The organisms employed in the exercises include bacteria, yeast, and plants to emphasize that the methods and basic scientific principles taught have general relevance.
The course aims at providing practical experience with and theoretical knowledge on basic principles and methods in experimental molecular biology.
After completing the course the students should be able to:
Knowledge:
- Describe basic principles and analytical methods used in molecular biology research.
- Explain how these principles and methods can be exploited in practical experiments adressing research questions within biotechnology.
Skills:
- Carry out experiments using a number of general methods in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology.
- Analyse, visualise, interpret and conclude from results acquired in the laboratory.
- Summarise and present scientific concepts and own experimental results to fellow scientists through written and oral communication.
- Interpret and discuss results presented in scientific articles within the field of molecular biology and biotechnology.
- Use e.g digital tools in creative processes in the context of experimental design and presentation.
Competences:
- Work in a groups to plan and carry out defined experimental work.
- Reflect upon the empirical basis of research within the field of biotechnology through critical reading of original research articles.
Literature
Laboratory manuals including theoretical background for each practical exercise are provided on Absalon together with the research articles discussed in the journal clubs. The literature changes from year to year dependent on the chosen topics.
Text book:
“Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Paperback”, Keith Wilson (Editor) and John Walker (Editor).
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 26
- Preparation
- 210
- Theory exercises
- 40
- Laboratory
- 132
- Exam
- 4
- Total
- 412
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 15 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written examination, 4 hours under invigilationExam topics include theories and methods taught in theoretical and practical exercises, lectures, and journal clubs.
The course has been selected for ITX exam - Exam registration requirements
5 out of 6 laboratory reports must be accepted in order to be eligible for the exam.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
The University will make computers available to students taking on-site exams at ITX. Students are therefore not permitted to bring their own computers, tablets or mobile phones. If textbooks and/or notes are permitted, according to the course description, these must be in paper format or uploaded through Digital Exam.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
- Re-exam
Reexamination is an oral examination, 30 min. No preparation time.
If the exam registration requirement is not met, the student has to follow the course the following year as the laboratory exercises need to be followed.
Criteria for exam assesment
In order to obtain the grade 12, the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcomes.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NPLB17003U
- Credit
- 15 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- The exercises are typically scheduled in the afternoons from 1pm to ca. 5pm (4 days a week) and are complemented by lectures, computer exercises, and journal clubs in the mornings (3-4 days per week).
- Course capacity
- 60
The number of seats may be reduced in the late registration period - Course is also available as continuing and professional education
- Study board
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Meike Burow (3-73687b4676726b7434717b346a71)