Principal Subject in Molecular Genetics

Course content

The course demonstrates the use of molecular genetics as tools for understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms in eukaryotes. Topics are based on original scientific research articles and include, but are not limited to, DNA replication, transcriptional regulation and epigenetics, DNA damage and repair. The purpose of the course is to enable the student to read, understand, and discuss research literature on molecular genetics and to write referee reports of research papers or manuscripts. Classes are based on student presentation of papers selected by the teacher. Students in the audience are expected to have read the presented article and to ask questions to the points in the papers they want discussed. A significant amount of time is used for in-depth, student driven, discussion of articles and development of peer-reviewing skills. Therefore, in addition to training and feedback of presentation skills, students acquire training in critical thinking and writing of referee reports of manuscripts. Hence, 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. In addition, they will be able to present and explain the background literature for peers.

Competences:
The student can demonstrate a capacity to critically understand original scientific research papers dealing with subjects in molecular genetics, including knowledge and understanding of the specific problem to be analyzed, 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 (manuscript) not known to the students beforehand.

The course has been selected for ITX exam
See important information about ITX-exams at Study Information, menu point: Exams -> Exam types and rules -> Written on-site exams (ITX)
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

PC (offline)

As the exam is an ITX-exam, the University will make computers available to students at the exam. Students are therefore not permitted to bring their own computers, tablets, calculators, or mobile phones.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
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
NBIK20002U
ECTS
15 ECTS
Programme level
Full Degree Master
Duration

2 blocks

16 weeks
Placement
Block 1 And Block 2
Schedulegroup
D
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
  • Christian Holmberg   (5-676c73707144666d73326f7932686f)
Saved on the 11-05-2023

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