BMB517: Molecular Biology of RNA (5 ECTS)

STADS: 01001701

Level
Bachelor course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the spring semester.
3. quarter.

Teacher responsible
Email: srd@bmb.sdu.dk

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

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
Passed at least one of the courses BMB503 and BMB508

Course introduction
The main purpose of the course is to give a thorough background in how RNA molecules are built up, how RNAs function in biological systems, and how RNAs can be used in biotechnological applications.

Qualifications
The students will become proficient at using basic computer graphic technique to visualize biological molecules in three dimensions. Attention will be paid to the interpretation and discussion of texts from scientific journals. The participants will be instructed in how to become competent at presenting such information in the form of short lectures.

Expected learning outcome
By the time the course has been completed the student will be able to

• Describe the relationship between structure and function in RNAs
• Explain RNA’s role in coding and transferring genetic information
• Depict the action of RNA as a catalyst in biological processes
• Clarify RNA-protein interactions
• Illuminate the complexity of ribonucleoprotein structures such as the ribosome
• Pontificate on the mechanisms of antibiotic interactions with RNA
• Illustrate how resistance to antibiotics occurs through RNA modification and mutation
• Expound on the genetic regulation of RNA transcription.
• Utilize computer graphics techniques for structure/function studies
• Communicate scientific data by oral presentations

Subject overview
Relationship between structure and function in RNAs; RNA’s role in coding and transferring genetic information; RNA as a catalyst in biological processes; Mechanisms of RNA-protein interaction; Complex ribonucleoprotein structures including the ribosome; Antibiotic interactions with RNA; Resistance to antibiotics through RNA modification and mutation; Genetic regulation of RNA transcription.

Literature

Reviewartikler og forskningsartikler, som udleveres på kurset.

Syllabus
See syllabus.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
During the course the student must give a short lecture, which will be evaluated internally by the lecturer, passed/not passed.
The course ends with a 3 hour written exam, ekstern censorship and grades according to the Danish 7-point scale.

Reexamination after the 4. quarter.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

Forelæsninger (16 timer) og eksaminatorietimer (24 timer). De 80% af forelæsningstimerne er obligatoriske; eksaminatorietimer inkluderer praktisk instruktion og brug af computer grafisk teknikker.
Educational activities

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

Remarks
In as far as there are non-Danish students taking the course, lectures will be given in English by a native speaker. Participants will be helped to improve their ability to communicate scientific ideas in spoken and written English. The lecture series and development of presentations will build on this knowledge in the advanced course.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.