NBIK15017U Theoretical Molecular Genetics

Volume 2023/2024
Education

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

Content

The molecular mechanisms underlying genetics, i.e. the segregation of the genetic information from parents to offspring, will be explored. This includes recombination, gene conversion, and cloning by positional mapping and by complementation. The causes of different types of mutations and the pathways of DNA repair. Genetic interactions like suppression and synthetic lethality. The topics also include gene regulation, chromatin structure and an introduction to epigenetics. The power of molecular genetics in model organisms to address biological question will also be demonstrated through the studies of research articles.

Learning Outcome

The course offers a thorough understanding of genetic inheritance and genetic interactions, which is prerequisite for analysis of modern high though put sequencing data, and equips the student to participate in the ongoing revolution of basic biological research, medicine, and production,  that the rapid development of sequencing, gene editing and gene design is bringing about.

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 powerful genetic tools for addressing biological questions.

Skills:

The participants will develop quantitative, analytical skills with which to interpret experimental data and solve problems in classical and modern molecular genetics. The acquired knowledge will enable the student to apply powerful genetic tools for addressing biological questions. Presentation and discussion of data from peer reviewed articles in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.

Competences:

  • The student will be able to solve problems in recombination, mutation, function and regulation of genes and DNA sequences, gene isolation plus gene and genome structure.
  • 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 article in English.

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 basic knowledge in genetics and molecular biology.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures and problem solving.
Introduction to articles.
Presentation of articles.
To obtain a full block understanding modern genetics, this course is fully integrated with the course Experimental Molecular Genetics.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 12
  • Class Instruction
  • 18
  • Preparation
  • 136
  • Theory exercises
  • 36
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Total
  • 206
Oral

Oral feedback after problem exercises.

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
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Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam

The same as the ordinary exam.

If ten or fewer students have signed up for re-exam, the type of assessment will be changed to an 45 minutes oral exam, with 30 minutes preparation and with all paper-based aids.

 

 

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 Outcome.