Molecular Biology

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module 2BBIO-06 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 30,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): 30,00 Other (hours): Part-time program: 1/2 Instructor(s) Yves Guisez Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Basic knowledge of Cell Biology (organization of the cell, cell organelles, etc), Organic Chemistry (be able to understand and to recognize chemical formulas) and Biochemistry (basic knowledge of important pathways, indispensable knowledge of compounds such as amino acids, peptides, proteins) is necessary. *Sequentiality Cell Biology (1BBIO-011) AND Biochemistry (2BBIO-05) Sequentiality is also OK if 8/20 or 9/20 was obtained 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) In Molecular Biology the organization of living organisms is studied on a molecular level. The content of the syllabus functions as a basic course for any biologist, whatever his/here interest is or final speciality will be. Beside that, much attention is given to recombinant DNA technologies that are more important when applicability (e.g. in other sciences) is the aim. The many examples that illustrate this course are related to different disciplines (medicine, plants, animal world, bacteria, virusses, environment, ¿). Important topics are treated in several chapters dealing with mechanisms such as DNA replication, transcription, translation, etc¿ It is important that the student is able to communicate about problems in Molecular Biology in Dutch as well as in English using a typical technical jargon and that he/she is able to search for relevant information within several handbooks and by using other sources such as publications, websites on the internet, etc¿ It is also important that certain problems and mechanisms that have been described in this course can be related to approaches in others disciplines (Plant- and Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, ¿) In order to become a molecular biologist within our society, the student must develope an honest way of thinking about ethical questions, making use of objective scientific arguments. 3. Course content The course comprises following chapters : introduction, nucleic acids (nucleosides, nucleotides, polynucleotides), DNA structure, denaturation and renaturation of DNA, DNA replication, mutations in DNA, recombination and repair, RNA (composition, structure), RNA synthesis (transcription), tRNA, rRNA and ribosomes, mRNA, protein synthesis, genetic code, regulation of the gene expression, recombinant DNA technology, polymerase chain reaction and modern study of gene expression. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Practical sessions 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Practical exam 6. Compulsory reading – study material PowerPoint presentations + syllabus 7. Recommended reading - study material Lewin B Genes VIII, Oxford University Press, Oxford Lodish H Molecular Celle Biology Freeman, New York 8. Tutoring In the course of the academic year tips are given regularly during the lectures how the subject-matter has to be studied and also it is explained why this knowledge is useful. Also, frequently, tips are given concerning the future examinations. As an example, questions and problems, ever asked before on former exams, are communicated and solved. laatste aanpassing: last update: 08/01/2010 15:40 yves.guisez