BMB533: Molecular biology and protein chemistry
Study Board of Science
Teaching language: Danish or English depending on the teacher
EKA: N200010112, N200010102
Assessment: Second examiner: None, Second examiner: External
Grading: Pass/Fail, 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Autumn
Level: Bachelor
STADS ID (UVA): N200010101
ECTS value: 10
Date of Approval: 20-04-2018
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Archive
Comment
01017001 (former UVA) is identical with this course description.
The course can be studied with: BMB532, KE523, KE521
The course can be studied with: BMB532, KE523, KE521
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Students taking the course are expected to:
- Have a basic knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology
- Be able to use a computer and access the internet
Course introduction
The aim of the course is to enable the student to gain a basic understanding of molecular biology in all living organisms. We will study the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the regulation of these processes. The course gives a foundation for continued study in the degree program.
The course builds on the subject matter covered in the courses FF503 and BMB531, and gives an academic basis for understanding the topics in the later courses BMB507 and BMB508.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- Give competence in understanding the terminology used in molecular biology and protein chemistry.
- Give skills to express yourself clearly in the language used in these disciplines.
- Give knowledge and understanding of the flow of genetic information in all cells.
- Give the competence to understand and critically evaluate information relating to the fields of molecular biology and protein chemistry, when these are reported in scientific journals and in the media.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objectives of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- Know how to use correctly general terminology within the fields of genetics, molecular biology and protein chemistry.
- Explain the Central Dogma of the flow of information from genes to proteins.
- Explain connection between nucleic acid structure and function in the Central Dogma information flow.
- Describe the basic steps in DNA replication and transcription, and mRNA translation to proteins.
- Describe the combinations of enzyme complexes that are involved in DNA replication and transcription, and mRNA translation to proteins.
- Understand the principles of gene regulation.
- Give detailed, specific examples of these processes.
- Distinguish the differences between the molecular processes governing these processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Sketch the mechanisms involved in homologous and specific recombination.
- List the main causes of mutation and the consequences of these at the molecular and cellular levels and their potential effects on the whole organism.
- Demonstrate knowledge of general techniques in molecular biology and gene technology.
- Describe the chemical structures of the twenty common amino acids, and how modification of these alters protein structure and function.
- Differentiate between primary, secondary and tertiary structures of proteins and describe quaternary interactions within protein complexes.
- Use the programs VMD and Cytoscape for visualizing macromolecular structures, and its application in discovering details of molecular interactions.
- Describe the folding, misfolding and degradation of proteins, and how deviations in these molecular pathways can lead to disease.
- Attain knowledge of modern methodology in protein chemistry, protein purification, characterization and their analysis using bioinformatics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how proteins interaction with other biological macromolecules during the execution of physiological processes in the cell. This includes an understanding of how proteins function in the immune system, in blood clotting, and in sensory and motoric systems.
- Independently search and find relevant information to answer questions concerning the topics covered on this course.
Content
The following main topics are contained in the course:
- Protein structure, folding and function
- Protein function in the context of physiology
- Post translational modification of proteins
- Protein degradation
- Methods in protein chemistry
- Genome organization in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Information flow from gene to protein
- Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA og RNA)
- DNA replication, including regulation of DNA synthesis
- Mechanisms of DNA recombination
- Mutations and repair of DNA
- Mechanisms of transposition
- Synthesis of RNA via DNA transcription
- Regulation of gene expression
- RNA processing and mRNA splicing
- Composition of ribosomes and their function in protein synthesis
- Protein localization and export
- Control of the cell cycle by proteins
- Antibiotics and cytotoxins
- Fundamental metods used in molecular biology, including PCR, DNA sequencing, gene cloning.
Literature
- Berg, Tymoczko og Stryer: Biochemistry, 8. ed.
- Additional material will be selected from year to year.
See Blackboard for syllabus lists and additional literature references.
Examination regulations
Prerequisites for participating in the exam a)
Timing
Autumn
Tests
Participation in computer laboratory exercises
EKA
N200010112
Assessment
Second examiner: None
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Student Identification Card
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
0
Additional information
Obligatory attendance for four computer laboratory exercises. Prior preparation necessary to read and understand lab manual. Write independent report for each of the exercises, and hand in by the one-week deadlines. Passing each report is required for taking the main exam.
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a)
Exam element a)
Timing
January
Prerequisites
Type | Prerequisite name | Prerequisite course |
---|---|---|
Examination part | Prerequisites for participating in the exam a) | N200010101, BMB533: Molecular biology and protein chemistry |
Tests
Written examination (4 hours)
EKA
N200010102
Assessment
Second examiner: External
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Student Identification Card
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
Allowed, a closer description of the exam rules will be posted under 'Course Information' on Blackboard.
ECTS value
10
Additional information
The examination form for re-examination may be different from the exam form at the regular exam.
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 40 hours
Skills training phase: 38 hours, hereof:
- Tutorials: 30 hours
- Laboratory exercises: 8 hours
Educational activities:
- Study text book, slides from the lectures
- Write and read notes, work on the exercises.
Teacher responsible
Additional teachers
Name | Department | City | |
---|---|---|---|
Karin Hjernø | hjernoe@bmb.sdu.dk | ||
Lars Grøntved | larsgr@bmb.sdu.dk | ||
Thomas J. D. Jørgensen | tjdj@bmb.sdu.dk |