Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology

Course content

The course deals with molecular aspects of microbial physiology and genetics. Topics include microbial metabolism, enzymes, regulation, replication, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, and environmental and biotechnological aspects. All microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, virus, and unicellular eukaryotes) may be included and we aim at covering research subjects of industrial, medical, and environmental importance. The purpose of the course is to be able to read, understand, peer reviewing, and discuss current research literature on molecular microbiology and to write referee reports of research papers or manuscripts. Classes are based on student presentation of papers selected by the students and the teachers. Students in the audience are expected to have read the presented papers and prepared questions before class and actively participate in the discussion during class. Mandatory assignments include preparation of referee reports of research manuscripts.

Education

MSc Programme in Biochemistry
 

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
The student will have obtained knowledge of specific research areas including different experimental and theoretical approaches.
 

Skills:
Based on original research literature, the student will be able to explain, evaluate, and critically analyse the results, the methods used, and the conclusions drawn and compare with other relevant literature, including background literature.  In addition, the student will be able to write a referee report of a research paper and to discuss it with peers. 


Competences:
The student can demonstrate a capacity to critically understand original scientific research papers dealing with subjects in molecular microbiology, including knowledge and understanding of the specific problem to be analysed, the experimental set-up, the methods employed, the experimental results and the conclusions drawn from these, and discuss this understanding with fellow students under the guidance of the teacher.

In this phase the students shall primarily have learned to
1) appreciate the efforts of scientists without an a priory opinion of the scientific subject of the paper,
2) demonstrate the ability to ask questions of procedures and conclusions,
3) to individually prepare referee reports of research manuscripts and review referee reports prepared by fellow students.

The student will be capable of understanding the basis for specific conclusions in a field and will therefore understand the consequences of technical or experimental future developments when they occur.

The teaching takes the form of student colloquia and discussions based on reading of original research articles and data. Individual assignments include preparation of referee reports of research manuscripts and review in groups of referee reports prepared by fellow students.

See Absalon.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
ECTS
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
During the exam the students must produce a referee report of a research paper or manuscript not known to the students beforehand.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

PC (offline)

 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Criteria for exam assessment

1) See 'Learning Outcome'

2) Active participation. See 'Type of assessment'.

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 48
  • Preparation
  • 348
  • Study Groups
  • 12
  • Exam
  • 4
  • English
  • 412

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
NBIK20000U
ECTS
15 ECTS
Programme level
Full Degree Master
Duration

2 blocks

16 weeks
Placement
Block 1 And Block 2
Schedulegroup
Block 1 - schedule C
Block 2 - schedule A
Capacity
25
The number of seats may be reduced in the late registration period
Studyboard
Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
  • Department of Biology
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
  • Niels-Ulrik Frigaard   (3-7d84754f71787e3d7a843d737a)
Saved on the 28-02-2023

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