Entry requirements

At least two years of basic courses in Natural Sciences, equivalent to 50 points/75 credits in Biology and 20 points/30 credits in Chemistry. Biology courses should include Cell Biology, Genetics and Gene Technology, Structure and Physiology of Organisms, and Ecology. Alternatively, one year of Chemistry together with 20 points/30 credits in Biology including Structure and Physiology of Organisms and Genetics and Gene Technology.

Learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

• explain the processes behind mutations and other genetic changes (insertions, deletions, inversions, horizontal gene transfer)
• identify and distinguish genetic regulatory mechanisms at different levels (regulation of transcription, posttranscriptional regulation, regulation of translation)
• solve theoretical and practical problems in genetic analysis, especially gene mapping and strain construction
• identify genes and mutations in non-annotated sequence data from data bases with the help of relevant bioinformatics programs
• plan basic experiments in microbial genetics, aimed at mapping mutations to connect phenotypes with the genotype
• combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience to perform basic experiments in microbial genetics
• describe and summarise experimental work in a correct manner in a laboratory notebook

Content

The course consists of a theoretical part and a practical part with laboratory exercises and data analysis.

The student achieves the course objectives by learning about:

• mechanisms underlying stability and changes in microbial genomes
• mechanisms underlying information transfer from DNA to proteins and the diverse levels at which this gene expression can be regulated
• genetic aspects of extra chromosomal elements such as bacteriophages and plasmids
• genetic methods for constructing, mapping, and moving mutations, and to measure gene expression

and through exercises in:

• problem solving at seminars where research data are analysed
• laboratory exercises in which the student becomes acquainted with the usual major methods in microbial genetics for strain construction, selection, and screening
• careful record keeping of the laboratory work

Instruction

The course includes lectures, seminars and laboratory work. Participation in seminars, laboratory work and lessons in connection with these is mandatory.

Assessment

A final passing grade in the course requires participation in the obligatory exercises (laboratory exercises and seminars) (3 credits), approval of the laboratory notebook (2 credits), and passing grades on the exams. Two written exams are given. One covers theoretical understanding (5 credits); the other covers analysis of data and problems (5 credits), some of which are part of the laboratory exercises. A homework assignment in practical genetic analysis is also part of the second exam.