Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Physics 2, Chemistry 1, Mathematics 4/Mathematics E

Learning outcomes

The course is intended to give a good basis for further studies in molecular biotechnology.

On completion of the course, students should be able to

• explain basic aspects of cell and molecular biology
• give an account of and carry out basic laboratory techniques and computer analyses in molecular biology and bioinformatics
• discuss basic ethical aspects and sustainability aspects of molecular biotechnology and bioinformatics
• give examples of various professional roles relevant to the education
• give a popular science presentation of a biotechnological application in written and oral form
• plan and analyse their own studies.

Content

Theory: Cell theory; the macromolecules DNA, RNA and proteins; translation, transcription and replication; basic evolutionary theory. Basic biotechnical and bioinformatic methodology. Introduction to ethical theory, professional ethics and sustainability.

Written assignment with ethical reflection: Information retrieval and popular-science writing. Importance of communication and cooperation in the individual studies. Oral presentation. Feedback. Ethical aspects and sustainability perspectives on applications in molecular biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Learning at university level: Motivation, studying strategies, problem-solving, group dynamics, communication, stress, and note-taking and reading techniques. Equal opportunities/equal treatment with respect to all grounds of discrimination. Gender and technology.

Vocational orientation: Biotechnology and bioinformatics in professional life.

Seminars: Cases with applications of biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Computer exercises: Introduction to Linux and script programming. Basic bioinformatics.

Laboratory work: Basic laboratory safety and laboratory methodology. Basic methods in molecular biology.

Instruction

Lectures, teaching sessions, seminars, computer exercises, laboratory sessions and study visits.

Assessment

Written examination (4 credits). Oral and written presentation of assignment with ethical reflection (1.5 credits). Active participation in seminars and study visits (2 credits). Laboratory sessions (2.5 credits).

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 university's disability coordinator.