NBIA09011U Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology: Module 1

Volume 2014/2015
Education
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
Content

First of three modules of project work on Molecular Microbiology.
Students complete three modules of one subject-line by following three blocks.
 

The course deals with molecular aspects of microbial physiology and genetics. Topics include metabolism, enzymes, regulation, replication, genomics, evolution, and may focus on the technical aspects. All microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, virus, and unicellular eukaryotes) may be included and we aim at covering research subjects of medical, industrial, and environmental importance. The purpose of the course is to be able to read, understand, and discuss current research literature on molecular microbiology. Classes are based on student presentation of papers selected by the students and the teachers together. Students in the audience are expected to have read the presented papers and prepared questions before class and actively participate in the discussion during class.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
The student will have obtained knowledge of specific research areas (differing from module to module and from block to block) including different experimental and theoretical approaches.

Skills:
Based on original research literature, the student will be able to explain, evaluate and critically analyse the results, the methods used and the conclusions drawn and compare with other relevant literature. In addition, they will be able to present and explain the background literature for peers.

Competences:
The student can demonstrate a capacity to critically understand original scientific research papers dealing with subjects in molecular microbiology, including knowledge and understanding of the specific problem to be analysed, the experimental set-up, the methods employed, the experimental results and the conclusions drawn from these, and discuss this understanding with fellow students under the guidance of the teacher. In this phase the students shall primarily have learned to 1) appreciate the efforts of scientists without an a priory opinion of the scientific subject of the paper and 2) demonstrate the ability to ask questions of procedures and conclusions.

The student will, with the completion of all three modules, be capable of understanding the basis for specific conclusions in a field and will therefore understand the consequences of technical or experimental future developments when they occur.

See Absalon.

The teaching takes the form of student colloquia and discussions based on reading of original research articles and data.
The teaching is open to MSc-students of biochemistry. Other MSc-students may be admitted, but priority will be given to MSc-students in biochemistry. Only one of the principal subjects (Immunology, Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Microbiology or Protein Chemistry) can be chosen. All modules (1, 2 and 3) must be within the same principal subject. It is mandatory for MSc-students of biochemistry to follow one of the principal subjects.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 27
  • Preparation
  • 179
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
The course module 1 is approved/not approved by the teachers on the basis of active participation. The criterion for active participation in module 1 is
1) that the student has satisfactorily presented at least two seminars to fellow students during the course and 2) has participated actively with relevant questions/comments in at least 7 of the 9 sessions.
Exam registration requirements
To be eligible for evaluation the student must participate in 80% of the sessions.
Marking scale
completed/not completed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam
If the student is eligible for evaluation but has not fulfilled the requirements for active participation, the student can present a seminar of 45 minutes in a subject decided by the teacher.
Criteria for exam assesment

Active participation. See under "Type of assessment".