Course syllabus for Model organisms in molecular biology

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-19 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameModellorganismer i molekylärbiologi
  • CodeKMG042
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKBIO
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyBioengineering
  • DepartmentKEMI OCH MOLEKYLÄRBIOLOGI (GU)
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 48113
  • Maximum participants48
  • Open for exchange studentsNo

Credit distribution

0113 Laboratory 2 c
Grading: UG
2 c
0213 Examination 5.5 c
Grading: TH
5.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Basic courses in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and applied microbiology.

Aim

The aim of this course is to provide advanced knowledge in a range of molecular biology techniques with an emphasis on the functional analysis of genes and gene products.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Describe how different model organisms can be used to address a particular question. Understand the applications and limitations of different model organisms. Be able to plan experiments and include appropriate controls.

Content

This course will focus on several model organisms: mouse, fruit flies, yeast, worms and cultured mammalian cells. Lectures will be based mainly on modern genetics and molecular biology methods using these model organisms. Laboratory classes will include the insertion of genes into cultured mammalian cells, immunofluorescence staining of cultured mammalian cells and the analysis of worms. A literature study will introduce students to searching for scientific papers and students will present their finding regarding a particular molecular biology technique to the rest of the group. Group work to discuss the use of model organisms.

Organisation

Lectures, Laboratory classes (attendance is compulsory), Groupwork  (attendance is compulsory), Presentations (attendance is compulsory)

Literature

There is no set book but Lodish et al Molecular Cell Biology  or Alberts et al Molecular Biology of the Cell  would be useful. Recommended reading lists and handouts will be provided.

Examination including compulsory elements

Students must pass the written examination (short answer format), attend all laboratory classes/ groupwork sessions and produce laboratory reports of the appropriate standard (Explain theory and analyse data). Students must participate to an appropriate standard in presentations (explain theory and scientific data) and group work sessions (participate in discussions).

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.