Download Molecular biology „Molecular Biology” course reviews basic topics

Molecular biology
„Molecular Biology” course reviews basic topics within mammalian genetics, cell biology and
molecular biology, and looks for possible applications of these topics in medicine. Students will
refresh and update their knowledge on advances in gene expression, from DNA to RNA and to the
mature protein products. The course includes an experimental part of either genetics, cell biology or
molecular biology of bacterial or mammalian cells. During experimental part students can solve some
problems, for example: screening some useful genes for anti-cancer therapy or isolate the DNA.
Teachers:
1. dr n. med. Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska
2. dr n. med. Anna Bajek
Contact:
Anna Bajek [email protected], Celestyna Mila-Kierzonkowska [email protected]
Syllabus
I.
Chair of Medical Biology
II.
Head of the Unit: prof. dr hab. Alina Woźniak, prof. UMK
III.
Faculty of Medicine, Medical Program, first year
IV.
Course coordinator: prof. dr hab. Alina Woźniak, prof. UMK
V.
Form of the classes: lectures, tutorials
VI.
Form of crediting/assessment: exam, 3 ECTS points
VII.
Number of hours: lectures 15 hours, tutorials 15 hours
VIII.
The aim of teaching:
“Molecular Biology” programme is realized in the first semester. The general objectives of the
module are to teach students basic genetics and molecular biology, and to provide insight into the
principles and applications of molecular genetics techniques. Another core objective is to provide
knowledge that enables students to reflect on when and how molecular genetics techniques can and
should be applied in screening, diagnosis and treatment.
IX. The course contents: Cell structure and cell division. Cell life cycle and its disorders. Stem cells.
Cell differentiation and aging process. Types of cell death. The structure and functions of protein.
Posttranslational and functional modifications of protein. The structure of DNA. Chemical, physical,
spectroscopic and thermal properties of DNA. Methods of DNA isolation. Chromatin structure. Sex
chromatin. Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes. The complexity and function of
the genome. Mitochondrial genome. Molecular methods for the study of the human genome:
genetic engineering as the basis for molecular diagnostics, molecular methods used in the diagnosis
of malformations and genetic diseases, molecular marker systems. DNA replication in Procaryota and
Eucaryota. DNA damage, repair and recombination. The types of mutations, and examples of their
record rules. Factors that increase the genetic diversity of the population. The mechanisms of aging,
theories of aging. Types and functions of RNA. The genetic code. Mechanism of transcription in
Procaryote and Eucaryote. Maturation of RNA and RNP particles. The mechanism of protein
synthesis. Control of translation and posttranslational events. Regulation of gene expression.
Molecular basis of cancer: activation of protooncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.
X Bibliography
1. Genomes. Brown TA. Oxford: Wiley-Liss, the latest edition.
2. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. 5th edition. Walker JM, Rapley R. RSC Publishing,
2009.
3. Essential Medical Genetics. Connor M, Ferguson-Smith MA. Blackwell Science Ltd, the
latest edition.
4. Genetics. Freidman JM, Dill FJ, Hayden MR, McGillivray BC. Williams&Wilkins, the latest
edition.
Rules and regulations
Name of didactic unit – Chair of Medical Biology
Name of didactic head – dr hab. n. med. Alina Woźniak, prof. UMK
Course title – Molecular biology
I. Form and criteria of the course completion:
The prerequisite is completion of practical classes and to obtain at least 60% of points from the final
exam. Gain a minimum of 115 points during classes gives the possibility of exemption from
examination, and obtaining 110-114 points allows the student to take the exam in ‘time zero’. The
exam is in the form of the test and covers the issues discussed in the lectures and classes and in the
given literature. A student who fails the exam, according to the regulations of study, has a single
chance to improve the grade.
II. Form and criteria of classes’ completion:
The prerequisite is to obtain min 72 points. The maximum number of points, possible to obtain
during classes, is 120 points. This number includes:


5 tests at the beginning of the classes: 5 x 10 points = max. 50 points
1 presentation = max. 20 points

Report from the classes 5 x 10 points = max. 50 points
The tests at the beginning of the each classes will include the current material. The first test will be
conducted on the first class. Student is obliged to familiarize with the material contained in the
program of the subject and prepare for classes according to given literature. There is only one term
of passing these tests, without possibility of improvement.
The presentation should be prepared in PowerPoint (version compatible with PowerPoint 19972003). Presentation will be presented during classes indicated by the teachers. There is only one
term of presentation credit, without possibility of improvement.
Reports from the classes should be prepared according to the example obtained during first class and
they should be returned at the end of current classes.
Unexcused absence of student on the classes is associated with the lack of opportunities to gain
points for the current class. A student who left class and give the excuse is obligated to execute the
class after consultation with teacher. Student who has more than two absences during classes will
have no chance to complete the course.