Entry requirements

Completed courses worth 60 credits in biology including 1) Molecular Biology and Genetics (10 credits), Life and Interactions of Microorganisms (5 credits) and Cell Biology (15 credits), or 2) Biology A: Patterns and Processes (22.5 credits), or Biology A: Patterns, Processes and Science Education (22.5 credits), and Cell Biology (15 credits).

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain the processes behind mutations and other genetic changes
• identify and distinguish genetic regulatory mechanisms at different levels
• solve theoretical and practical problems in genetic analysis particularly concerning genetic mapping and strain construction
• identify genes and mutations in non-annotated sequence data from databases by means of relevant bioinformatics programs
• plan basic experiments in microbial genetics concerned with clarifying phenotypes and their relationship with the genotype
• use common methods in microbial genetics
• describe and summarise experimental work in a correct way in a laboratory notebook.

Content

Mechanisms behind stability and change in microbial genomes. Mechanisms behind the information flow from DNA to proteins and the multiple levels at which gene expression can be regulated. Genetic aspects of extrachromosomal elements such as bacteriophages and plasmids. Genetic methods to construct, map and move mutations, and to measure gene expression, and through exercises in problem-solving at seminars where scientific data are analysed. Laboratory sessions where the students through strain construction, genetic selection and screening familiarise themselves with important and common methods in microbial genetics. Careful and proper use of a laboratory notebook to record laboratory work.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions. Participation in seminars and laboratory sessions is compulsory.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 7 credits; Exercises 3 credits; Laboratory notebook 2 credits; Student symposium 3 credits.

The theory module requires a writen assignment and a written test. The module Exercises require active participation in laboratory sessions and seminars. The module Laboratory notebook requires proper laboratory reports. The module Student symposium requires active participation in a student symposium with preparatory literature seminars.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

The course cannot be included in the same degree as 1BG389 Microbial Genetics D.