Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The 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
- define the different stages of nucleic acid purification
- describe the basics of amplification methods
- understand the basics of hybridization and sequencing methods
- define the basic concepts of genetics
- understand the basics of analytical methods and explain the principles of methods used in clinical genetics
- describe the different stages of chromosomal analysis and karyotyping
- define the methods used in fetal diagnostics
- learn to consider the ethical aspects of genetics and molecular biology

Content (course unit)

Molecular biology, isolation and purification of nucleic acids, amplification methods, electrophoresis
Recombinant DNA technology
Hybridization and sequencing methods
Key methods and applications used in diagnostics, research and biotechnology
Human genome, chromosomes, gene structure and expression, mutation types
Basic concepts of genetics
Methods used in genetics (Chromosomal analysis, FISH, molecular karyotyping)
Fetal diagnostics
Cancer genetics and methodology

Prerequisites (course unit)

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Further information (course unit)

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Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

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 what the genome and the expression of genes mean.
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 in the field. The student is able to perform common molecular biology methods in the laboratory with guidance and knows the occupational safety issues of laboratory work.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

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 basics of how the genome and expression of genes control cell activity. 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 in the field. The student is able to apply the most basic molecular biology methods in the laboratory with guidance and is able to work responsibly and plan the laboratory activities safely, taking into consideration occupational safety issues.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

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 understands how the genome and expression of genes control cell activity. 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 able to apply the acquired knowledge in professional tasks and to justify the decisions through theory and literature. The student is well acquainted with the ethical issues 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.

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

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Location and time

Molecular Biology (fall 2021): according to the timetable. Hybrid implementation of the theoretical part.

Exam schedules

Molecular Biology: two exams. Retake exams: two retakes (if failed). Grade improvement possible once. Dates are to be agreed during the first lesson.

Assessment 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 Moodle. 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 Moodle.

Completion alternatives

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Practical training and working life cooperation

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International connections

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Further information

The course is lectured in Finnish.

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

Mandatory assignments 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.