Practical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course is experiment-oriented and includes selected basic methods in physical biochemistry, biochemical analysis and separation methods, gene technology and microscopy. The course includes exercises in spectrophotometry, chromatography, enzymology, electrophoresis, isolation of biological macromolecules, immunological detection methods and other important methods in gene technology. Work with different biological systems will be emphasised. Organisation of the laboratory work and combining use of different methods for analysis of specific issues will be important. Safety in the laboratory environment and journal writing will also be covered. The course is compulsory for the Master's Programme in Molecular Biology.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

  • can explain the theories underlying both basic and some advanced methods in biochemistry and molecular biology
  • can explain advantages and disadvantages of the most important methods in biochemistry and molecular biology
  • can work with DNA, RNA and proteins
  • is familiar with the appropriate laboratory safety regulations both with regard to personal and environmental aspects.

Skills:

The student

  • can use a broad range of both basic and some advanced methods in biochemistry and molecular biology (including chromatography, electrophoresis, spectroscopy, enzyme kinetics, molecular cloning, cell culture work and microscopy)
  • can examine, assess, interpret and communicate data acquired from laboratory experiments related to biochemistry and molecular biology
  • can keep a detailed and accurate laboratory journal

General competence:

The student

  • can do experimental work related to biochemistry and molecular biology without detailed instruction and supervision.

ECTS Credits

20 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.

Students at the master's programme in molecular biology have first priority to the course.

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge

Equivalent admission criteria for MSc program of molecular biology.

Your need to be enrolled in a master program at the Department of Biological Sciences to get access to the course. All others should first contact the study section of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Recommended Previous Knowledge
Bachelor's degree or equivalent, including knowledge molecular biology.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
MOL302 15 ECTS
Access to the Course
In order to be admitted to the course, you must be admitted to a master programme at the Department of Biological Sciences and fulfill the required previous knowledge. Students on master's programme in Molecular Biology have first priority. Other students interested in taking this course must contact the study administration at the department (studie.bio@uib.no).
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, laboratory course and report writing.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

All activities are mandatory including the introductory meeting, lectures and participation in the laboratory course with lab journal and report writing. Completed activities are valid for 4 semesters (the semester of taking the activity and the 3 following semesters).

All mandatory activities must be approved before one can take the exam.

Forms of Assessment

Reports from laboratory exercises (portfolio assessment) (40%) and written exam, 4 hours (60%).

The written exam and the laboratory exercises must be completed and compulsory activity approved, to obtain a grade in the teaching semester.

For a semester without teaching, the student may take the final exam if laboratory exercises are approved. The result of this exam will constitute 60 % and the laboratory exercises 40 % of the final grade.

Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
An ordinary exam will be available each semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
Students will evaluate the teaching in line with UiB and the Department's quality assurance system.
Examination Support Material
Examination support materials: Non- programmable calculator, according to model listed in faculty regulations
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biological Sciences, has the administrative responsibility for the course and program.