Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for structure, formation and function of DNA, RNA and proteins
• describe the principles of gene regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• describe the consequences of different types of mutations and DNA-repair systems
• describe the cell cycle, Mendelian genetics, family trees, recombination, restriction enzymes, molecular cloning, DNA-sequencing, and PCR
• use some and understand several modern molecular methods to elucidate molecular and genetic questions
• critically analyse, evaluate and compile results from laboratory exercises
• reason about ethical aspects of genetics.

Content

The course is an introduction to molecular biology and genetics and methods used within these fields. The subject content is the following.

The structure of the genome: chromosomes, chromosomal structure, and extrachromosomal inheritance. The molecular basis of transmission of genetic information: nucleic acids and proteins. DNA replication, DNA repair, mutations, recombination, transposition, transcription, and translation. Examples of gene regulation. Inheritance of genetic information : meiosis, sexual reproduction and classical genetics. Gene technology: restriction mapping, cloning, gene expressions to overproduce proteins of interest, DNA/RNA-sequencing, PCR, CRISPR.

The possibilities, limitations and ethics of gene technology are discussed. Keeping laboratory notes is practiced.

Instruction

The teaching is in the form of lectures, laboratory practicals, and exercises in problem solving.

Participation in the laboratory exercises and some other sessions is compulsory.

Assessment

A written test (7 credits) and practical parts (laboratory exercises and reports) 3 credits.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

The course is part of a course package and can only be taken concurrently with the course 1BG114 Mikroorganisms' life and interactions 5 credits. Cannot be included in the same degree as 1BG101 Genetics and Genetic Engineering 15 credits or 1BG111 Genetics and Genetic Engineering 10 credits.