BMB504: Fundamental Molecular Biology (5 ECTS)

STADS: 01000401

Level
Bachelor course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: jonasb@bmb.sdu.dk

Timetable
Show entire timetable
Show personal time table for this course.

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
BMB501 Molecular Biology or FF503 must be passed.

Course introduction
The course aims to give a general introduction to molecular biological systems in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Students will learn about the structure of large biological macromolecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) as well as their functions in the storage and transfer of genetic information in living cells. The course gives the basic knowledge that is necessary for the more advanced courses in molecular biology.

Qualifications
Students will gain a broad insight into the field of molecular biology, and will learn how to use this knowledge, for example:

• to understand scientific questions and terms within molecular biology’s central disciplines
• to understand how genetic information is conveyed in all living cells, according to the central dogma of molecular biology
• to be able to express oneself using precise scientific and technical terminology
• to take an educated position regarding controversial scientific questions, including for example genetically modified organisms
• to be able to understand and evaluate information concerning molecular biology that is presented in the media and scientific literature

Expected learning outcome


Subject overview
The following subjects will be presented and discussed:

1. Information flow through macromolecules from gene to protein 
2. Genome organisation in pro- og eukaryotes
3. Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) that are involved in the flow of information
4. Replication of DNA, including regulation of DNA synthesis 
5. Mechanisms of DNA recombination
6. Mutation of DNA and its repair
7. Mechanisms of transposition
8. Synthesis of RNA by transcription from DNA
9. Regulation of gene expression
10. Processing of RNA including splicing of mRNA
11. Ribosome’s structure and how it function in protein synthesis
12. Protein localization and export
13. Proteins involved in the control of cell division
14. Antibiotics and cytotoxins
15. Fundamental techniques within molecular biology including PCR, arrays and gel shift assays

Literature

• Campbell & Reece: Biology, 7th edt.
• Stryer: Biochemestry, 6. edt.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
A four-hour written exam with books, notes, etc; marked by an external examiner according to the Danish 7-scale.

Re-examination in the same exam period or immediately thereafter.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 20 hours
Skills training phase: 18 hours, hereof:
 - Tutorials: 18 hours

Educational activities Study phase: 36 hours

Language
This course is taught in English, if international students participate. Otherwise the course is taught in Danish.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.