Project in Molecular Biology

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Projects in Molecular Biology consist of performing a limited investigation in the laboratory of the advisor. At the outset the student will receive a succinct introduction to the main research project, the methods used and to the strategic choices for attacking a specific subset of problems, by studying some original research papers. The contents of a project will be defined by the student advisor, but will always include methods of great relevance for research in molecular biology. The extent of the course is defined by the credits, and should include 200-240 hours work at the laboratory, or 25-30 working days. Since MOL231 constitutes 1/3 of standard working load during one semester, the laboratory work will be done as part-time work. The duration of the course may vary depending on other courses the student chooses and the schedule of the student advisor. As a minimum, students should expect 6 weeks at the laboratory, but because of other exams and courses, the duration may be extended to 8-10 weeks. Students should be able to start the project work during the second week of the semester, so that it will finish before other exams take place. Some projects may start at alternative points of time, depending on the schedule of the student advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The student

  • can explain the principles behind the experiments required for his or her project work
  • is familiar with the appropriate laboratory safety regulations both with regard to personal and environmental aspects

 

Skills

The student

  • is able to carry out molecular biology experiments, analyze and interpret the results
  • can keep a detailed and accurate laboratory journal
  • can demonstrate communication skills in writing an presenting a poster of own results
  • reads relevant scientific literature

 

General competance

The student

  • has the ability to assess scientific literature needed for the task of planning and conducting a research project

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn and spring, dependent on number of  available supervisors and projects.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 2/33 for the spring/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.

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge

MOL100">MOL100, MOL200">MOL200, KJEM110">KJEM110,  MOL221">MOL221 og MOL222">MOL222.

Basic principles in molecular biology and chemistry and experience in laboratory work in molecular biology and chemistry is required. This course should be taken during the last semesters of the bachelor degree.

Recommended Previous Knowledge
MOL201, MOL103/MOL203, KJEM130 and KJEM131.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
In order to be admitted to the course, you must be admitted to a study programme at the Department of Biological Sciences and fulfill required previous knowledge.
Teaching and learning methods
Lab work 
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

The course will end with a poster presentation. The labjournal must be handed in to the supervisor for comments. The journal and comments from the supervisor, should be sent to the responsible person for final evaluation. The course is evaluated as passed/failed. The course requires an accurate and updated logging of the journal. Journals will be stored by the course coordinator until after the examinations in the end of the semester and will then be given to the supervisors. The students get access to copies of the journal.

The first lecture/orientation meeting is compulsory.

Forms of Assessment
Approval of the lab-journal and report. To pass the course all students have to present a poster.
Grading Scale
Pass/fail mark.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 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.
Programme Committee
The programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, has the administrative responsibility for the course and program.