Molecular Biology and Genetics (7 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

Student is able to..
- explain the key methods used in molecular biology and perform practical exercises under supervision
- describe the basics of recombinant DNA technology and the main applications
- understand the basics of genetics and associated research methods
- define the different steps of cloning
- define the different stages of nucleic acid purification
- describe the basics of amplification methods
- understand the basics of hybridization methodsdefine the basic concepts of genetics
- describe the different stages of chromosomal analysis and karyotyping
- describe the research methods used in clinical applications
- define the methods used in fetal diagnostics
- learn to consider the ethical aspects of fetal diagnostics

Content (course unit)

Molecular biology (synthesis of macromolecules, isolation and purification of nucleic acids, amplification methods, electrophoresis)
Recombinant DNA technology
Hybridization methods
Methods used in genetics
Key methods and applications used in diagnostics, research and biotechnology
Chromosomes
Chromosomal analysis
FISH, Multicolor FISH
Genetics of cancer and associated research methods
Fetal diagnostics, ethical aspects and choice of values

Prerequisites (course unit)

The student must have passed 7B00BB98 Basic Theory and Basic Methods of Molecular Biology before the course 7B00BO92 Clinical training in Molecular Laboratory

Exam schedules

Molecular Biology: Two exams, to be scheduled.
Retake exams to be scheduled.

Evaluation methods and criteria

The Molecular Biology part of the course is evaluated by the exams and assignments. The laboratory work is mandatory for passing the course.
All parts of the course (exams, assignments, laboratory work) must be passed for the grade. Both of the exams must be passed (50 % of the points T1). The final grade is formed by the accumulated points of all the exams and assignments.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Molecular Biology: Lectures, group work, independent work (e.g. articles, literal work), laboratory exercises.

Learning materials

Molecular Biology: Suominen, Pärssinen, Haajanen, and Pelkonen. Geenitekniikka. 2013 ed. or earlier. Turku University of Applied Sciences.
Material in Tabula. Material from group work

Student workload

Molecular Biology: Contact lessons 48 h of which 18 h of laboratory work. Independent work 86 h.

Content scheduling

Molecular Biology: Presented in detail in Tabula.

Completion alternatives

-

Practical training and working life cooperation

-

International connections

-

Further information

-

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Molecular Biology: Mandatory fulfilments lacking.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Molecular Biology: Student knows the structure of nucleic acids and proteins at the basic level. Student knows at the basic level how the biological information flows in the cell, and how genes regulate the cellular functions. Student knows the basic methods used in the extraction, purification, and characterization of nucleic acids. Student knows at the basic level the most common molecular biology methods and their common applications in diagnostics, research, and biotehcnology. Student is able to analyze nucleic acids and knows how to apply common molecular biology methods in the laboratory work. Student is able to document the laboratory work.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Molecular Biology: Student knows the structure of nucleic acids and proteins. Student knows the mechanisms of biological information flow in the cell. Student knows the basic structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome, and how genes regulate the cellular functions. Student knows the principles of the common methods used in the extraction, purification, and characterization of nucleic acids. Student knows the most common molecular biology methods and their common applications in diagnostics, research, and biotehcnology. Student is able to analyze nucleic acids and knows how to apply common molecular biology methods in the laboratory work. Student is able evaluate the results and to document the laboratory work.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Molecular Biology: Student knows the structure of nucleic acids and proteins. Student knows the principles and mechanisms of biological information flow in the cell. Student knows the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome, and is able to explain how genes regulate the cellular functions. Student knows the principles and mechanisms of the common methods used in the extraction, purification, and characterization of nucleic acids. Student knows the most common molecular biology methods and is able to explain in detail their common applications in diagnostics, research, and biotehcnology. Student is able to analyze nucleic acids and knows how to apply common molecular biology methods in the laboratory work. Student is able to interpret and critically evaluate the results obtained in the laboratory as well as document the laboratory work.