Course content

The course introduces the students to basic molecular and cell biology, including genetics. Subjects covered include: the molecular basis of the cell, biochemistry and cell physiology, the structure and function of the cell, Mendel’s law of heredity, molecular biology and biotechnology. The course is part of the 1-year module in biology, and masterprogram in biotechnology. Admission is restricted. A small number of places are available for students that want only this course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate shall have knowledge of:

• The fundamental units of life, especially the cell as an organisms basic unit for structure and function. - Large biological molecules and membranes structure and function.
• Metabolism and how energy is transformed in living systems.
• Participants and principles of cellular communication.
• Principles of cell division.
• The chromosomal and the molecular basis of inheritance.
• Regulation of gene expression, from gene to protein.
• Biotechnology: use of DNA toolkit with examples of cloning of organisms and how this may be utilized to study gene sequence, expression and function.
• Genomes and their evolution.

Experiences:

The candidate can:

• Recognize and describe different forms of life, including different types of cells.
• Quote processes that regulate inheritance between generations, and transformation from gene to protein.
• Design a cloning experiment.

General competence:

• HSE
• General lab experience
• Analyzing own data with Excel
• Report writing
• Group work
• Critical reading/evaluation of scientific literature
• Writing a professional report based on literature search, including source usage and referencing techniques
• Presenting professional material using presentation tools ( ppt)

The candidate can:

• Comprehend and explain the diversity in biological systems and processes on cellular level.

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures: 50 hours
• Laboratory course: 30 hours, mandatory
• Project work: Theoretical project, mandatory
• Seminars: Mandatory, 18 hours

Be aware that admission to this course is restricted.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved laboratory course
• Approved term paper
• Approved exercises in Problem-based learning

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Approved KJ1000/ KJ1002- General chemistry or TKJE1006 - General chemistry/MT1001 - Chemistry with laboratory course (or equvalent chemistry course)

Credit reductions