Molecular Cell Biology
Course content
A series of Group Discussions (no lectures) in which prepared material is treated and discussed, and three weeks of laboratory exercises where a range of experimental techniques is carried out and concepts taught. In the theoretical part of the course as well as in the experimental part, the main emphasis is on the parts of molecular cell biology that deals with gene expression, signaling, and regulation of cell growth, with examples referring to the molecular mechanisms and signaling in growth and cancer. The textbook is only used as reference – we will not go through it. The final evaluation focuses on understanding experimental detail and interpretation of experimental data rather than on recitation of facts.
BSc Programme in Biochemistry
BSc Programme in Biology
The main goal of the course is for the student to develop an
understanding of how knowledge in molecular cell biology is
obtained through experimental approaches; an aim particularly
important and appropriate close to the point of the bachelor
project. This objective is reached through discussion of selected
aspects of molecular cell biology, many of which deal with the
changes taking place in cancer cells. Through discussion of
experiments and their results, by in-debt evaluation of primary
data from publications, as well as de-novo interpretation of
presented data, the student is expected to obtain the ability to
demonstrate specific knowledge, to read, understand and follow the
validity of conclusions from experimental data from primary
scientific literature, and use this knowledge when planning and
interpreting experiments.
Knowledge:
Students can identify, describe, and name specific research areas
including different experimental and theoretical approaches; can
identify a subset of instruments and devices used in molecular and
cellular biological experiments.
Students can describe the use of a number of molecular biological
techniques; in particular those done at the lab-course, but also
methods that combine and exploit known pieces in new combinations.
Skills:
Based on protocols for laboratory experiments, the student can
carry out experiments and assess results.
Based on presented experimental results, the student can argue for
the conclusions drawn, point out important controls, compare
results from different conditions and evaluate them.
Based on original research literature, posed problems and
experience with laboratory exercises, the student can explain the
purpose of specific experiments, the materials used in experimental
designs, the procedures involved and the format of results
obtained. The student can use a subset of instruments and devices
used in molecular and cellular biological experiments and explain
results obtained, and will have first hand experience of generation
of primary data.
Competences:
Students can use obtained and already acquired knowledge within
molecular biology to understand the use of, limitations of, and
interpretation of, results from experiments and methods within
molecular biology.
Students
- can assess the importance of the activity of proteins in detail, in relation to molecular cell biology and how these activities can be affected by mutations, other proteins, as well as other activities, and the consequences of such influences
- can evaluate the detailed description of an experimental protocol, and can form conclusions from primary as well as derived data
- can evaluate which results from experiments are solid, important and significant
- can recognize controls in the experiments, and understand which parameters these control for
- can understand the experimental background for the conclusions drawn in original research papers dealing with molecular cell biology topics
- can understand the importance of and carry out quantitative calculations as used in the laboratory-course or illustrated in class.
Group discussions and laboratory course.
See Absalon.
It is necessary that the student has solid knowledge of basic
biochemistry and molecular biology. Furthermore, experience with
reading original scientific literature is an advantage. Students
should have qualifications corresponding to one of the following
sets of courses:
A: Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biotechnology (Molekylærbiologi,
genetik og bioteknologi) and Protein Science and Enzyme Technology
(Proteinvidenskab og enzymteknologi) of the bachelor curriculum for
biochemistry students.
or
B. Protein Chemistry and Enzymology I and II (Proteinkemi og
enzymologi I og II), Molecular Biology (Molekylærbiologi) and Cell
Biology (Medicinsk celle- og vævsbiologi) of the bachelor
curriculum for molecular biomedicine students
or
C. General Biochemistry (Almen biokemi), General Molecular Biology
(Almen Molekylærbiologi) and General Cell Biology (Almen
Cellebiologi) of the bachelor curriculum for biology
students.
All written material including the exam are in English.
- ECTS
- 15 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
On-site written exam, 4 hours under invigilation
- Type of assessment details
- The on-site written exam is an ITX exam.
See important information about ITX-exams at Study Information, menu point: Exams -> Exam types and rules -> Written on-site exams (ITX) - Exam registration requirements
-
Active participation in 80% of the three weeks of lab exercises is a prerequisite for attending the exam.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
The University will make computers available to students at the ITX-exam.
Students are not permitted to bring digital aids like computers, tablets, calculators, mobile phones etc.
Books, notes, and similar materials can be brought in paper form or uploaded before the exam and accessed digitally from the ITX computer. Read more about this at Study Information.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
- Re-exam
-
The same as the ordinary exam.
If ten or fewer students have signed up for re-exam, the type of assessment will be changed to 30 minutes oral exam with 30 minutes preparation time.
Students who do not fulfill the requirements for attending the ordinary exam will have to follow the course again.
Criteria for exam assessment
In order to obtain the grade 12 the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Class Instruction
- 39
- Preparation
- 292
- Practical exercises
- 75
- E-Learning
- 2
- Exam
- 4
- English
- 412
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NBIA07002U
- ECTS
- 15 ECTS
- Programme level
- Bachelor
- Duration
-
1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedulegroup
-
A, B and C
- Capacity
- 32
The number of places might be reduced if you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student. - Studyboard
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- Department of Biology
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Olaf Nielsen (6-71706b69677042646b71306d7730666d)
Teacher
Peter Brodersen, Vibe Østergaard, Michael Lisby, Anders Løbner-Olesen, Olaf H. Nielsen.
Timetable
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