Main Field of Study and progress level:
Molecular Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Pharmacy: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Molecular Biology
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2023-06-06
Contents
The course is divided into two parts: molecular genetics 7.5 ECTS and human genetics 7.5 ECTS. Both consist of theoretical and practical sections.
Part 1 (molecular genetics) focuses on molecular biology and microbiological techniques using E. coli as a model system. The practical section will focus on classical microbial genetic approaches, problems and methods of analysis. One of the practical exercises will be connected to chemistry courses earlier in the program. Here the students will study the mutagenic properties of molecules they have earlier synthesized (Ames test). The focus of the theoretical section will be on genome organization, DNA replication and repair, cell cycle as well as the regulation of transcription, translation and growth. During this part students will also learn about bacterial viruses, transposons, plasmids and the analysis of recombination, genetic exchange and mutations.
Part 2 (human genetics) focuses on mechanisms and factors that influence inheritance in humans; from the organization of the genetic material, its packaging into gametes and developmental processes to population structure and environmental factors. Included are also genetic diseases, pharmacogenetics, cancer, model organisms, genomics and techniques such as gene testing and gene therapy.
Expected learning outcomes
After the course the student is expected to:
- show extended knowledge on molecular genetics theory and methodology
- know how to apply fundamental principles of genetic analysis in both haploid and diploid organisms
- be familiar with a large number of common methods in molecular genetics
- be able to analyze and evaluate genetics and molecular genetics experiments
- be able to describe how the hereditary material is inherited, mapped, analyzed and identified
- understand why studies of genetic diseases need to take environmental factors and the variation in the population into account
- understand how model organisms such as the fruit fly can be used to study aspects of human genetics
- be familiar with techniques such as genetic screening and gene therapy as well as be able to discuss their potential benefits and problems
- be able to write and critically evaluate scientific reports
- be able to use and understand basic statistical tools
Required Knowledge
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Sections). For admission to the course a bachelor degree in pharmacy, including 90 ECTS pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry 30 ECTS, or 180 ECTS pharmacy degree or equivalent, are required. The eligibility requirements are also met by a bachelor's degree in molecular biology with at least 30 credits pharmaceutical chemistry and 30 credits biomedical science or equivalent
Form of instruction
The course is internet based and consists of lectures, self studies, project works with written reports, problem solving, laboratory work and demonstrations. The laboratory work will be done in modern labs in close vicinity to departmental research labs. The students will be given the opportunity to accompany a PhD-student for half a day in order to learn about science as a career path. Project works will be done in groups and should be presented both as written reports with references and orally presented to the other project groups who will evaluate the work. The practical parts will be done during two weeks in Umeå. Mandatory parts of the course are practical parts, written reports and exam.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
