RNA: Structure, Function and Biology

Entry requirements

120 credits and Alternative 1): Biology 75 credits including Evolution and Diversity of Organisms, Genetics and Gene Technology , Cell Biology, and Ecology and Population Genetics, and in addition Chemistry 30 credits; alt. 2): Chemistry 60 credits including Biochemistry 15 credits and in addition Biology 45 credits including Evolution and Diversity of Organisms, Genetics and Gene Technology, and Cell Biology, alt. 3) corresponding knowledge from other courses.

In addition to all of this alternatives you need 15 credits in one of the following topics: Microbial genetics, Molecular cell biology or Plant physiology.

Learning outcomes

Through the course in Microbial and Chemical Genetics, the student should achieve a deeper knowledge how processes in cells are regulated of RNA and proteins, and how this regulation can be influenced either by genetic alterations or through chemical influences on the regulating molecules. After completing the course, the student should be able to

• distinguish between classical genetic and chemical genetic procedures, and between genotype-based and phenotype-based genetic methods
• compare and evaluate the possibilities and limitations of different microbial systems for genetic studies of complex phenotypes
• evaluate the practical applications of classical and chemical genetics for the identification of new targets for drugs, the selection of new drug leads, and the development of new model compounds
• explain and contrast how gene expression is controlled by both proteins and small molecules, including regulatory RNA molecules
• understand and explain how one can solve biological problems using methods from both classical and chemical genetics
• apply a scientific working method in the planning, execution, presentation, and interpretation of advanced chemical-genetic experiments that address a current research problem; then critically review the results and generate testable hypotheses from these
• understand in depth the biolgy and chemistry of RNA
• critically analyse scientific literature in the area
• present and defend summaries based on original literature in the area

Content

Chemical genetics utilise small molecules to change, directly and in real time, the way gene products (proteins and RNA) work. This is in contrast to the indirect approach of classical genetics which uses mutations in (coding) genes as a tool to investigate the connection between genotype and phenotype. Chemical genetics is used to identify which proteins or RNA regulate different biological processes so as to understand in molecular detail how proteins and RNA carry out their biological functions and to identify small molecules that can have medical interest. This course includes both small RNA molecules and other molecules which interact with RNA or proteins and addresses applications of both classical and chemical genetics relevant to understanding phenotypes (what are the underlying genetic changes?) and genotypes (which phenotype is caused by a particular DNA sequence?).

The student achieves the course aims by acquiring knowledge about

• the application of classical and chemical genetics in the analysis of different microbial systems for the regulation of gene activity, particularly with respect to the role of small RNA molecules using the use of classical and chemical genetics in the development of new drugs the structure and activity of small RNA molecules

the biology and chemistry of RNA

and through

• active participation in seminars where original scientific publications will be analysed
• making an oral presentation within an area of research relevant to the course
• active participation in laboratory sessions where methods in chemical genetics will be used
• making careful laboratory reports Both the theoretical and the practical contents of the course will prepare students for more advanced studies in the subject as well as for work in, for example, the biotechnical production and development of medicinal drugs. Course modules: Laboratory sessions 2 credits; Seminars/Symposium 3 credits; Theory 10 credits.

Instruction

The teaching will be given in the form of lectures, group exercises, web-based assignments, seminars, a literature symposium, and laboratory sessions. Participation in seminars, symposium and laboratory exercises is mandatory.

Assessment

The examination and distribution of points for the course comprises the following parts: laboratory exercises (2 credits), seminars and symposium (3 credits) and theory examination (10 credits) To pass the course it is required that the student pass each of the parts of the course: thus, the laboratory exercises must be completed according to the guidelines, there must be active participation in the seminars and symposium and the seminar presentation must be passed, and finally the written examination must be passed.