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, dates are to be agreed.
Retake exams: two raketakes (if failed), to be announced later.

Evaluation methods and criteria

The course is evaluated by the mandatory exams and assignments. The laboratory work course is also mandatory for passing the course.
All parts of the course (exams, assignments, laboratory work) must be passed for the grade. Exams must be passed (50 % of the points T1). The final grade is formed of the grades of Genetics (2/7 of the grade) and Molecular Biology (5/7 of the grade).

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, independent work (written assignments), laboratory exercises.

Learning materials

Aittomäki ym. (toim.) Lääketieteellinen genetiikka. 2016. Duodecim.
Suominen, Pärssinen, Haajanen, and Pelkonen. Geenitekniikka. 2013 ed. or earlier. Turku University of Applied Sciences.
Material in Tabula. Student's own materials.

Student workload

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

Content scheduling

Presented in Tabula.

Completion alternatives

-

International connections

-

Further information

The course is lectured in Finnish.

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

Mandatory fulfilments lacking.

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

The student knows how to find information on the subject and is able to share the knowledge in the group. The student demonstrates that he/she has achieved the goals of the core competences of the course. The student knows the basic methods of molecular biology and genetics and knows their most common applications in diagnostics, research and biotechnology. The student is familiar with the ethical issues and legislation in the field. The student is able to perform common molecular biology methods in the laboratory with guidance and knows the working safety of the laboratory.

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

The student is able to search for information and critically use the resources. The student is able to bring his / her knowledge to the group. The student is able to use concepts and information in the field consistently. The student knows the principles of the basic methods of molecular biology and genetics and knows about the factors that influence them. The student is able to explain the most important research methods and the most common applications in diagnostics, research and biotechnology, and is able to apply the acquired knowledge in professional tasks. The student knows about the ethical issues and legislation in the field. The student is able to apply the most basic molecular biology methods in the laboratory with guidance and is be able to act responsibly, and plan the laboratory activities considering working safety.

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

The student is an expert when using the concepts and knowledge of the field and is able to bring the knowledge to the group as well as to organize the group's activities. The student knows the principles and the factors influencing the basic methods of molecular biology and genetics. The student is able to explain in detail the most important research methods and the most common applications in diagnostics, research and biotechnology. The student is to apply the acquired knowledge in professional tasks and is able to justify the decisions through theory and literature. The student is well acquainted with the ethical issues and legislation of the field. The student is able to apply the most common molecular biology methods in the laboratory, to work responsibly and to plan the laboratory activities safely.