NPLB15008U Thematic Course: Experimental Molecular Biology I

Volume 2018/2019
Education

BSc Programme in Biology-Biotechology

Content

The course offers experimental platforms to acquire new skills with regard to methods in molecular biology and biotechnology. The choice of topics ensures that the students learn standard techniques relevant to molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology. Additionally, the course comprises an introduction to basic concepts of ethics and philosophy of science.

The students will gain experiences in 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, cultivations of cell cultures, heterologous gene expression, protein purification, immunoblotting, histochemical analyses, enzyme kinetics, and bioimaging and basic bioinformatics. A wide-range of experimental organisms are employed including bacteria, yeast, fungi, plants and mammalian cells to emphasize that the methods and basic scientific principles taught have general relevance.

Learning Outcome

The course aims at providing practical experience and theoretical knowledge of basic principles and methods in experimental molecular biology combined with an introduction to general concepts of ethics and philosophy of science within the field.

 

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 aimed at reaching distinct research goals.
  • Describe basic theoretical aspects of scientific research methodology.
  • Describe selected central principles of ethics philosophy of science.

 

Skills:

  • Carry out experiments using a number of general methods in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology.
  • Analyse, 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 communications.
  • Interpret and discuss research in the context of theoretical and ethical principles.
  • Use e.g IT tools in creative processes in the context of project management and presentation.

 

Competences:

  • Work independently as well as together with other students to plan carry out defined experimental work.
  • Reflect upon the empiric basis of research within the field of biotechnology and understand and contribute to broader ethical and societal discussions on the use of biotechnology.
Literature

Laboratory manuals including theoretical background for each practical exercise provided on Absalon together with the research articles discussed in the journal clubs and a compendium for ethics and philosophy of science. The literature changes from year to year dependent on the chosen topics.

Text books:

"The good, the right and the fair. An introduction to ethics", Mickey Gjerris et al. College publication.


The following books are optional:

“Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Paperback”, Keith Wilson (Editor) and John Walker (Editor).

”Videnskabsteori for de biologiske fag”, Andersen et al., Frederiksberg: Biofolia.

 

Note that the text books can change until one week before the course starts.

Participation in courses which provide basic knowledge in biochemistry and molecular genetics is required.
The course comprises lab exercises with written lab reports, lectures and journal clubs. The students carry out different experiments as specified in the description of the exercises (typically in the afternoon from 1pm to ca. 5pm although this may vary). The results of the exercises are discussed in follow-up sessions. The exercises are complemented by lectures and journal clubs in the mornings (3-4 days per week) which provide the theoretical background for the experiments.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 22
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Practical exercises
  • 130
  • Preparation
  • 210
  • Theory exercises
  • 6
  • Total
  • 412
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
The course has been selected for ITX exam on Peter Bangs Vej.

Exam topics include theories and methods taught in practical exercises, journal club articles and philosophy of science curriculum.
Exam registration requirements

5 out of 7 reports must be accepted in order to be eligible for the exam.

Aid
All aids allowed

The University will make computers and power available to students taking written exams with invigilation in the University’s building on Peter Bangs Vej 36 (ITX). These 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 on a USB flash drive.

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.