Molecular Microbiology

This is a course in biology at ground level. The course can be part of the Bachelor's programme in Molecular Biology and Biology, or as a part of the Master's programme in Molecular Biology and Biology. The course is also offered as a freestanding course.

Completed 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, or equivalent, of which at least 45 credits must be approved. English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/ English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an international recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

This course focuses on understanding the evolution, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology of microorganisms. Specific topics that are included are:

• Microbial cell organization, metabolism and growth.
• DNA replication, variation, evolution and gene expression.
• Regulation of gene expression.
• cellular differentiation in prokaryotes.
• Molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
• Molecular biology of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

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

• decribe microbial metabolism and growth.
• decribe DNA replication, variation, evolution and gene expression.
• describe regulation of gene expression.
• understand cellular differentiation in prokaryotes.
• understand molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
• understand molecular biology of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• read and understand a scientific review article

Competence and skills

• discuss topics in current microbiology research in a meaningful way.
• present scientific literature to others.
• apply their background knowledge to new topics.
• plan an experiment and analyse results of experiments.
• write in the format of a scientific paper,
• perform a number of standard lab techniques, such as growth curves and genetic analysis.

Judgement and approach

• critically analyze published results.
• evaluate and propose alternative approaches to the problem of antibiotic resistance in light of its impact on society.

The course consists of lectures, presentations, discussions, and laboratory sessions.
Compulsory components of the course are laboratory work and other group exercises as specified in the course schedule.

Language of instruction: English

The final grade is based on presentations, discussions, laboratory reports and on a written exam.
Missed compulsory sessions can be made up during the course if possible but otherwise 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.