Learning outcomes

To provide the students with an introduction to the cell's central processes for gene expression and detailed descriptions of the structure and function of the macromolecular complexes (macromolecular machines) that promote genome replication, operon transcription, translation of messenger RNA, RNA processing and transport of RNA and proteins. To give the students insight in applications based on macromolecular machines in areas of medical or pharmaceutical importance, like testing and design of antibiotic drugs.

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

• Macromolecular machines promoting gene expression, gene regulation, processing and transport
• Molecular interactions and reaction mechanisms for these macromolecular machines.
• Important medical and pharmaceutical applications based on these macromolecular machines.

Content

• The cell's macromolecular machines for gene expression and gene regulation.
• Molecular interactions and reaction mechanisms promoting replication of nucleic acids, transcription of DNA, translation of messenger RNA, RNA processing and transport of RNA and protein.
• Molecular biology techniques in studies of molecular interactions and reaction mechanisms for macromolecular machines.
• The use of macromolecular machines in medicine and pharmacy. .

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and literature project.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. The seminars and literature project - 1 point each.

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.