Microbiology and Basic Molecular Biology, 15 Credits

Contents

Module 1. Theory 8 ECTS 

This module covers the molecular processes that govern growth, structure, and function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The course focuses on the genetic information flow according to the central dogma, especially regulation of DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Furthermore, it addresses fundamental prokaryotic genetics, including the transfer of genetic material, as well as bacterial physiology, including antibiotic resistance mechanisms. 

Module 2. Laboratory Work 5 ECTS 

This module provides training in microbiological and molecular biological techniques. 

Module 3. Practical Professional Training (PPT) - Oral Presentation 2 ECTS 

This module provides training in searching, reading, discussing, and presenting scientific literature in microbiology and molecular biology. 

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to, with regard to: 

Knowledge and understanding:

• Describe the structure of and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and bacteriophages. 
• Explain cell nutrition and energy requirements (metabolism) and the principles behind cell growth and how it is measured. 
• Describe the processes in the central dogma of information transfer in the cell and provide examples of their regulation. 
• Describe the genetic material of bacteria and explain the mechanisms behind the emergence of genetic variation and its consequences for society, such as the emergence and spread of different types of antibiotic resistance and the evolution of pathogens.

Competence and skills:

• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills in basic microbiological and molecular biological techniques for safe work in a laboratory environment and the prevention of the spread of biological substances to the surroundings. 
• Demonstrate basic skills in searching, collecting, evaluating, and critically interpreting relevant scientific literature in the field, as well as presenting the results from such literature both orally and in writing. 

Required Knowledge

20 ECTS from finished courses in Chemistry, including at least 5 ECTS in Biochemistry, or alternatively, 20 ECTS from a combination of finished courses in Chemistry and Physics and/or Mathematics, including at least 5 ECTS in Biochemistry.

Form of instruction

The instruction is conducted in English. The course consists of lectures, group discussions, laboratory work, seminars, and literature studies. A strong emphasis is placed on a student-active approach with individual responsibility and knowledge-seeking. Students will be given problem-based tasks in groups, which will be presented during teacher-supported sessions. All teaching, except lectures, is mandatory. Seminars within PPT may be recorded as part of the assessment. 

Examination modes

The theory module concludes with a written individual exam. The laboratory module concludes with individual written reports on laboratory work, and the PPT module includes both individual oral and written presentations. The theory module is graded with one of the following: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). The other modules are graded as Pass (G) or Fail (U). To obtain the grade Pass (G) on the laboratory and PPT modules, it is required that the student submits individual written assignments within the specified time and that work is presented according to prescribed frameworks. Furthermore, active participation in reports and discussions is required. Active participation means that the student contributes with his own posts, reflections and questions, and that the student tries to answer questions posed to him or to the group. 

In case of absence from a compulsory teaching session, the examiner will decide on a replacement assignment or whether the student must retake the module at a later date. 

The grade for the entire course is decided when all examinations have been assessed. The course is graded with one of the grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G) it is required that the written exam has been assessed with the result Pass (G) and that the other mandatory modules have been assessed with the grade Pass (G). For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) it is required that the written exam has been graded with the result Pass with distinction (VG) and that the other mandatory modules have been assessed with the grade Pass (G). If the written exam is graded with the result Fail (U), the course is given a grade of Fail (U). 

Students who do not pass the regular examination have the right to a re-examination, called a retake. The first retake must be offered within two months after the regular exam, but not earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular exam have been announced. For exams held in May and June, the first retake must be offered within three months after the regular exam. At least one additional retake (a so-called make-up exam) must be offered within one year after the regular exam. Students who have passed an exam are not allowed to retake it for a higher grade. Students who have not passed the course have the option to retake it during the next course offering, subject to availability, or choose to only participate in additional retakes.

The examiner can decide that an active participation in exercises and presentations as well as a passing result in a dugga should give bonus points to be added to the exam result, however not exceeding 10% of the total score of the exam. It is up to the course leader to inform at the start of the course which elements give bonus points and what is required to obtain them. 

A student who has failed two exams for a course or a part of a course with an unsuccessful outcome has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, Section 22). Requests for a new examiner are made to Deputy Head of Department of Molecular Biology.

Crediting

The student has the right to be tested on whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in professional activities can be recognized as equivalent to a corresponding education at Umeå University. Application for credit transfer is sent to Studentcentrum. More information on credit transfer is available at Umeå University's student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6) 

Other regulations

In cases where a course has ceased to be offered or where a new course syllabus has replaced the previous one, students must be guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination) according to the previous course syllabus, for a maximum period of two years from the time the previous course syllabus ceased to be valid, or the course ceased to be offered.