BMB803: Molecular Microbiology (10 ECTS)

STADS: 01004911

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.
1st and 2nd quarter.

Teacher responsible
Email: r.p.cox@bmb.sdu.dk

Additional teachers
bhk@bmb.sdu.dk
jakobm@bmb.sdu.dk
valentin@bmb.sdu.dk
b.vester@bmb.sdu.dk

Timetable
There is no timetable available for the chosen semester.

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
Bachelors degree in bioscience with courses in biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology.

Course introduction
To introduce students to the latest advances in selected aspects of molecular studies of prokaryotic microorganisms through critical discussion of research literature and practical experience in the laboratory and using computers. Laboratory exercises will include work with pathogenic bacteria at Biosafety Level 2.

Expected learning outcome
After completing the course, students should be able to:

• evaluate scientific results in the original research literature
• present scientific results in an oral seminar given in English
• describe the rules and procedures involved in experimental work with pathogenic microbes
• perform standard microbiological and molecular biological procedures in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory

Subject overview
Lectures and literature discussion on the following topics
1. Gene expression and genome analysis
2. Cellular energetics in Bacteria and Archaea
3. Antibiotics – mechanism of action and development of resistance.

Laboratory exercises on gene expression during bacterial pathogenesis in animal models. The practical part will include work in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory.

Literature

oplyses senere. (lærebog, artikelsamling, laboratorie øvelsesmanual)

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
(a) Lab. work. Pass/fail, internal marking by teacher.
(b) Project assignment and oral exam. pass/fail, internal marking by teacher.

Students must particpate in the exercises and write short reports. They must present the contents of 2 research articles in seminar form and act as referee for two further articles. They must also produce a written report chosen from a list of topics covered by the course.

Reexamination after the 4th quarter.

Date of exam
The ordinary exam takes place on January 15, 2010
The re-examination takes place on June 17, 2010

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

Lectures and seminars, hours 32.
Laboratory exercises, hours 44.

Class hours will include introductory lectures by the instructors and presentations by students.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.