NBIK15017U Theoretical Molecular Genetics

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Bioinformatics
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine

Content

Principles of genetics and genomics at the molecular level will be explored to give students a solid grasp of the genetic approaches used for solving biological and medical problems and the use of genetic model systems to understand basic biological mechanisms. The analysis of eukaryotic genomes encompasses mapping of disease causing mutations and DNA markers (RFLP, RAPD, STS etc) by recombination analyses, and the use of genetic model systems to understand basic biological mechanisms. Topics also include gene mutants in forward and reverse genetics; recombination, gene conversion and repair; gene expression, chromatin and regulation; gene functions and networks plus an introduction to epigenetics and gene databases.

Learning Outcome

Large scale genome projects are presently yielding the complete genome DNA sequences of animals, plants and microorganisms across the globe. Assigning functions to the many new genes of these genomes is a major goal in biology today. This information will produce new tools for plant and animal breeders as well as for the medical and biopharmaceutical industry. The overall goal of the course is for students to understand the genetics that underlie modern biology and medicine including the genetics of human diseases, genetic screens and diagnostics. 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.
Participants will develop quantitative, analytical skills with which to interpret experimental data and solve problems in classical and molecular genetics plus epigenetics and genomics. This knowledge will enable the student to subsequently apply the genetic approach to gain an understanding of almost any biological system. Another goal is to train the students in both reading and oral presentation of scientific data. This includes practice in (i) how to critically read original literature and (ii) participation in discussions in seminars based on articles.

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 subsequently apply the genetic approach to gain an understanding of almost any biological system.


Skills:

  • The participants will develop quantitative, analytical skills with which to interpret experimental data and solve problems in classical and molecular genetics.
  • Actively participate in English as a member of the audience in the article training sessions and the article discussion sessions.
  • The participants should demonstrate an understanding and interpretation of original experimental data in the designated research area.


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.
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
  • Colloquia
  • 18
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Lectures
  • 12
  • Preparation
  • 136
  • Theory exercises
  • 36
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
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Aid
All aids allowed

NB: If the exam is held at the ITX, the ITX will provide computers. Private computer, tablet or mobile phone CANNOT be brought along to the exam. Books and notes should be brought on paper or saved on a USB key.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

As 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

The grade 12 is given for an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material, cf. the Learning Outcome of the course, with no or only a few minor weaknesses.