Entry requirements

90 credits physics and 25 credits mathematics and/or statistics.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course, students should be able to:

• give an account of the structure and function of biomolecules and macromolecules
• describe the structure and organisation of genomes, the transfer of genetic information, sources of genetic variation and their consequences for fitness
• describe cell structure and regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• describe the cell cycle, metabolism and principles of energy production within cells
• give an account of a number of modern molecular biology methods for molecular and genetic problems
• read and critically evaluate scientific articles and discuss scientific, societal and ethical aspects of gene technology
• plan, carry out, document and give an account of molecular biology experiments
• demonstrate knowledge of ethical aspects, gender equality and sustainability in the course's field of study and in an interdisciplinary environment

Content

The basic chemistry of life: chemical bondings and biomolecules. Transfer of genetic information at the molecular level from genes to protein: DNA replication, DNA repair, recombination, transposition, transcription, translation and gene regulation. The genome and its structure: chromosomes, plasmids, plastids and mitochondria. Inheritance/transfer of genetic information: meiosis, reproduction, classical genetics and extrachromosomal inheritance and genetic transfer in bacteria and viruses. The evolution of the genome: sources of variation - mutations and recombination. Cell structure, diversity and communication. Energy production and chemical processes in cells: cell respiration, photosynthesis and metabolism. Variation between genomes, its consequences and causes. Gene technology: introduction to modern methods e.g. restriction mapping, cloning, regulation of gene expression to over-produce specific proteins, DNA sequencing, PCR, societal aspects and ethical considerations. Evaluate strengths and limitations in data: analyse experimental data and scientific literature critically.

Instruction

Lectures, laboratory work and seminars.

Assessment

Two written tests (4 credits each) and active participation in seminars and presentation of seminar assignments (2 credits). The laboratory sessions are assessed through a written notebook from the laboratory sessions and a written final report (5 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 targeted pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.