Experimental Molecular Biology II

ECTS Credits

10

Teaching semester

Spring.

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

Objectives and Content

This course builds on MOL221, Experimental molecular biology I.

In MOL222 students will follow laboratoryprotocols to perform molecular cloning of two protein-coding genes followed by their mammalian cellexpression and analysis using immuno-detection and microscopy techniques. The results obtained arereported in a scientific publication (IMRaD) format which is evaluated. In MOL222, the students will get theoretical and practical introduction to important methods and techniquesin biochemistry and molecular biology. These include molecular cloning, PCR, plasmid propagation inbacteria, plasmid purification, restriction analysis, overexpression of genes in mammalian cell lines,microscopy, as well as gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, students will get hands-onexperience in the usage of bioinformatics tools for molecular cloning and will learn the physical and chemical basis of the related analytical methods. Along with the practical aspects of the course, particular emphasis will be made on the development ofscientific communication skills including proper documentation of the experimental procedures,experimental results, background information and critical evaluation of the obtained results including theirquantitative analysis. Laboratory safety aspects will also be a focus. The purpose of the course is to provide solid basic knowledge and skills in experimental molecular biologytechniques and in scientific communication thus establishing the basis for further studies in molecularbiology.

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 principles of molecular cloning, PCR and cell transfection
• knows the structure of a scientific report and the way experimental results are presented in a scientific communication
• knows the general safety routines for laboratory work in molecular biology

Skills

The student

• can prepare plasmids for transfection of cultured cells and analyse protein expression by means of fluorescence microscopy
• can use instrumentation and gene technology methods for separation and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids
• can interpret and report data both qualitatively and quantitatively
• can follow general safety routines for laboratory work in molecular biology
• can plan experimental work based on a protocol
• can critically evaluate and discuss experimental results
• can critically evaluate and correctly cite literature
• can write scientifically

General competence

The student

• can apply protocols for basic experimental work within the field of molecular biology and biochemistry
• can properly communicate experimental procedures as well as critically evaluate and discuss obtained experimental results within the field of molecular biology and biochemistry

Required Previous Knowledge

MOL100, KJEM110 and one of the following courses: MOL103(MOL203)/MOL200/ BIO103

MOL221 must be completed successfully or taken during the same semester as MOL222. Courses other than MOL221, with a similar scope, can be considered, if successfully completed and, if approved, can replace MOL221 as requirement.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

MOL202: 10 sp.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

All activities are mandatory including the introductory meeting and lab exercises. Completed activities are valid for 6 semesters.

Forms of Assessment

One written lab report for all the individual lab projects (Portfolio assessment).The report are written by pairs of candidates working together in the lab. The candidates share grade received for the report.

Examination Support Material

None

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

Spring semester only.