Entry requirements

Biology, 80 credits equivalent basic course in biology within the Bachelor programme in biology.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student should be able to

• describe thoroughly how gene expression is regulated in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes
• independently use and optimise basic molecular tools such as PCR and cloning
• use some and describe several methods and strategies for deeper analysis of biological questions, e.g. gene inactivation, fluorescent reporter genes and model organisms
• describe how advanced molecular tools such as large-scale sequencing and proteomics can be used to study gene expression
• describe genetic applications such as evolutionary genetics, disease genetics and forensic genetics
• read and evaluate scientific articles and suggest follow-up experiments
• describe ethical issues related to the subjects that are covered during the course

Content

The course focuses on regulation of gene expression in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes, and basic molecular biological and genetic methods as well as the latest large-scale methods that are used to study gene function and gene expression. The following subjects are covered during the course: Repetition of basic molecular biology and genetics; Epigenetics; Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by small and large RNA molecules; Translational control; Post-translational modifications; Subcellular localisation that regulates gene expression. The latest methods within analysis of gene expression, e.g. large-scale sequencing and proteomics. Applied genetics: Evolutionary genetics, disease genetics and forensic genetics. Methods for further studies of gene function: inactivation of genes, reporter genes, model organisms. Experimental strategies: selection of methods to study a specific scientific problem. Practical training in PCR, homologous recombination, epigenetics in fission yeast and inactivation of gene expressions by means of RNA-interference in the roundworm C. elegans. Ethical questions within molecular biology and genetics. Study visits at e.g. SciLifeLab.

Instruction

Lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars and study visits.

Assessment

Theory 9 credits (written examination), laboratory sessions 5 credits (attendance and written and oral presentation), seminar 1 credit (attendance in seminars and written presentation on literature seminar).