Molecular Prokaryotic Microbiology

This is a second-cycle course in Molecular Prokaryotic Microbiology and is designed to provide an advanced knowledge in the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Functional Genomics of Prokaryotic Microorganisms. The course can be included as a part of a Bachelor´s degree in Molecular Biology and Biology, or as a part of a Master´s degree in Molecular Biology or Biology. The course is also offered as a freestanding course.

Passed basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology, ecology and biodiversity and systematics and completion of Chemistry, 30 credits or equivalent courses. English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. In addition a completed depth course of 15 credits in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or equivalent is required.

This course gives a deeper knowledge of microbial genetics and physiology. Central to the course is a laboratory project studying prokaryotic molecular biology.
Included topics are:

• Analysis of genome structure,
• Gene expression,
• Protein expression,
• Cellular physiology

The theoretical part of the course includes lectures, literature studies, seminars and group discussions.

After completing the course the students will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• Read and understand an original scientific article.

Competence and skills

• Discuss topics in current molecular microbiology research in a meaningful way.
• Critically analyze published results.
• Present scientific literature to others.
• Analyse results of experiments.
• Write in the format of a scientific paper.
• Apply their background knowledge to new topics.
• Perform a number of standard lab techniques, such as growth curves, genetic analysis and molecular biological techniques
• design experiments.

Judgement and approach

• Critically analyze original research articles and experiments.
• Make hypotheses based on available data.

see above.
Laboratories, seminars and group discussions are compulsory.
Language of instruction: English

The examination of the course objectives is done both in writing and orally 60% of the final grade is based on presentations and in-class discussions; 20% is based on laboratory reports and 20% on a written exam.
Missed compulsory sessions may be made up during the course when that is possible, or the next time the course runs.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.