NBIK14031U Molecular Biology for Non-life Scientists

Volume 2024/2025
Education

MSc Programme in Bioinformatics

Content

The course will give an introduction to fundamental molecular and cellular biology with an emphasis on the processing of genetic information. The course is targeting students with no life science background (e.g. students with a finished BSc programme in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, etc.).

 

Subjects include:

Elements of the chemistry of biological macromolecules and their building blocks. Synthesis of macromolecules (DNA replication, transcription and pre-mRNA processing, translation). Regulation of gene expression, cell cycle and cell communication. Elements of virology and host-virus interactions are also discussed in relation to these topics.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

The student will know the basics of molecular biology and genetics.

Skills:

The student will be able to understand and use basic concepts in molecular biology and genetics.

 

Competences:

The student will be able to communicate the basics of molecular biology and genetics and relate this to other subjects.

Literature

See Absalon.

This course is aimed at students with no prior knowledge of molecular biology and genetics, such as mathematicians and computer scientists starting in the bioinformatics program. Students having finished a life science BSc program such as biology or biomedicine are strongly recommended to choose other courses.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
(1) Colloquia and exercises (6 hours per week). Prior to each session of the colloquia, the students read up on the subject to be discussed and prepare their individual questions to the teacher. In this way, the framework of the colloquia is determined by the subjects laid out by the teacher, but their precise content is determined by the initiatives and the needs of the students on the course.

(2) 3 written assignments with running evaluation. All assignments must be passed to complete the course successfully.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 106
  • Seminar
  • 46
  • Exam
  • 54
  • Total
  • 206
Written
Individual
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Type of assessment details
Three assignments, equal weights.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam

Revised versions of the written assignments should be handed in during the re-examination week.

Criteria for exam assesment

To pass this course, the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.