BMB504: Fundamental Molecular Biology (5 ECTS)

STADS: 01012401

Level
Bachelor course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: adelinar@bmb.sdu.dk

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

Prerequisites:
None.

Academic preconditions:
Contents of FF503 Chemistry, Biology and Molecular Biology – the Empiric Experimental Science or BB5AA Biology from Molecule to Ecosystem assumed to be known.

Course introduction
The course aim is 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.
Furthermore, the course introduces relations between the structure and function of proteins and how selected macromolecules interact with other biomolecules or drugs.

Students will gain a broad insight into the field of molecular biology, and will learn the basic principles and terminology used to describe biological processes:

After the course, the course participant’s are able to:

• understand scientific questions and terms within molecular biology’s central disciplines
• understand how genetic information is conveyed in all living cells, according to the central dogma of molecular biology
• be able to express oneself using precise scientific and technical terminology
• be able to understand and evaluate information concerning molecular biology that is presented in the media and scientific literature.

Expected learning outcome
The learning objectives of the course are that the student demonstrates the ability to:

• Know and use the meaning of the general terms in molecular biology and protein chemistry
• Explain the genetic flow of information from gene to protein (the central dogma)
• Explain the connection between nucleic acids structure and function associated with the central dogma.
• Describe the basic steps in the replication, transcription and translation.
• Outline construction of the enzyme complexes involved in the replication, transcription and translation.
• Explain the principles in the regulation of the genetic information flow in DNA, RNA and protein level.
• Describe examples of regulation of the flow of genetic information, DNA, RNA and protein level.
• Set the main causes mutations and relate to the importance of these at the cellular and organism level.
• Know the principles of the common techniques in molecular biology.
• Relating the chemical structure of the 20 amino acids, and their modifications to the structure of function.
• Describe the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins.
• Define and explain the regulatory mechanisms of protein activity, localization and their role in signalling.
• Relate protein folding, misfolding and degradation of the cell to how the failures of such systems may result in conformational diseases.
• Describe the structure and functions of selected classes of proteins in the immune system.

Subject overview
The following subjects will be presented and discussed:

1. Information flow through macromolecules from gene to protein
2. Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) that are involved in the flow of information
3. Replication of DNA, including regulation of DNA synthesis
4. Mutation of DNA and its repair
5. Synthesis of RNA by transcription from DNA
6. Regulation of gene expression
7. Processing of RNA including splicing of mRNA
8. Ribosome’s structure and how it function in protein synthesis
9. Fundamental techniques within molecular biology
10. Protein structure, -folding, and -function relationships
11. Protein misfolding and related diseases
12. Posttranslational modifications of proteins and their role in signal transduction
13. Protein degradation
14. Structure and function of antibodies in the immune system and as medicine

Literature

• Jeremy M Berg, John L Tymoczko & Lubert Stryer: Biochemistry, 8. udgave.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam

1. Six electronic tests are held during the course, of which at least three must be handed in within the time stated. Tests are carried out in Blackboard Pass/fail, internal marking by teacher. (01012412).

Assessment and marking:
The course is evaluated by a portfolio examination a), which consists of two different activities 1) and 2):

1. Portfolio examination, consisting of MCQ test and 2 hours written exam. No exam aids allowed, a closer description of the exam rules will be posted under 'Course Information' on Blackboard. (5 ECTS). (01012402).

1. Study Points Program
   Each lecture will begin with a multiple choice revision test of the previous week’s lectures. Students will be able to participate in this test by using any internet enabled device (laptop, tablet, smart phone) and electronic online voting system (Shakespeak). Participation in the revision tests is completely voluntary (not obligatory), however those who will participate and will be able to provide correct answers to 80% or more of all presented questions will be rewarded with 10 bonus points during final exam. Those which will be able to answer correctly for 70% to 79.9% of questions will receive 5 bonus points during final exam.
2. Two-hour written exam worth 90 points. External marking, 7-mark scale. 

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 30 hours
Skills training phase: 18 hours, hereof:
 - Tutorials: 18 hours

Educational activities
Activities during the study phase:

• Self-study of course handbook
  Jeremy M Berg, John L Tymoczko & Lubert Stryer: Biochemistry, 8th edition
• Self-study in order to prepare for tutorials hours
  11 different scientific problems will be presented and discussed with students during course seminar hours
• Online learning
  Six electronic test are held during the course and accessible through the SDU blackboard
• Preparation for final course exam

Educational form

Language
This course is taught in English.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.