Eukaryotic Molecular Microbiology

This is an advanced course that can be included as part of a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Molecular Biology, or as part of a Master's degree in Molecular Biology or Biology. The course can also be taken 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 hec 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 international recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. In addition, completion of any of the advanced courses Microbiology, 15 hec, Molecular Biology, 15 hec, Biochemistry, 15 hec, or other equivalent courses.

The course aims at detailed understanding of molecular and cell biology, genetics, functional genomics, and systems biology of eukaryotic microorganisms focusing on yeast and other fungi as model systems. The topics covered include cellular regulatory systems such as signal transduction processes, control of gene expression, stress responses, cell cycle control as well as subcellular organization and structures, and organelles.
An important aspect of the course is to present experimental strategies and applications including genetic analyses, tools for molecular and cell biology analyses, functional genomics and systems biology, as well as to illuminate the importance of yeast as a model system for higher eukaryotes.

After completing the course the students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of experimental strategies, of applications and tools of genetics, cell biology, functional genomics, and systems biology and of the role of yeast as a model system for higher eukaryotes.
• Ability to perform a number of standard lab techniques and to analyze, report and discuss the results of the experiments.

Competence and skills

• Demonstrate ability to independently search, read, understand and critically analyze scientific literature and information.
• Demonstrate ability to present, explain and discuss scientific topics and research issues in eukaryotic molecular microbiology.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of and ability to explain complex molecular, genetic and genomic processes in eukaryotic microorganisms.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate questions, to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out qualified tasks within given time frames. 

Judgement and approach

• Critically evaluate and judge the quality of data and conclusions presented in primary research articles and scientific reports.

The course is composed of lectures, exercise sessions, group discussions, seminars,
individual projects and laboratory work. The students will be trained in searching, reading, understanding, evaluating and presenting scientific information to others. All items except lectures are compulsory.
Language of instruction: English

All the separate items of the course (e.g. exercise sessions, group discussions, individual
projects and laboratory work) will be assessed during the course.
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.