Molecular Biology

Code: BIO12412L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

The unit intends to provide the theoretical bases and simultaneously address the implications of the discoveries of Molecular Biology, namely those related to the control of genetic expression and DNA replication, in the understanding of the diverse cellular phenomena, in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Sustainable Development Goals

2. Erradicar a fome - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

3. Saúde de qualidade - Assegurar uma vida saudável e promover o bem-estar para todos, em todas as idades.

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

7. Energias renováveis e acessíveis - Garantir acesso à energia barata, confiável, sustentável e renovável para todos.

11. Cidades e comunidades sustentáveis - Tornar as cidades e os assentamentos humanos inclusivos, seguros, resilientes e sustentáveis.

Learning Goals

To provide the students concepts regarding molecular biology and genetics, with special emphasis on
control of gene expression and DNA replication both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Moreover, we intend
to approach the main techniques of molecular biology, essential for studying fundamental biological
questions as well as for practical applications of genetic engineering in particular in health, agriculture etc.
Students are encouraged to develop skills concerning molecular biology techniques in the laboratory,
such as DNA and RNA analysis, PCR, gene cloning, etc. Students should acquire basic knowledge of the
studied molecular phenomena and the ability to interpret new situations and to be competent in planning
experiments and interpreting results involving several practical methodologies previously studied. It is
expected that students will develop their skills also on data base analysis and bioinformatic tools during
computer sessions.

Part I. DNA REPLICATION
1. Genes and chromosomes
2. Replication of DNA
3. Recombination and transposition
4. Mutation and repair mechanisms
Part II. GENE EXPRESSION
5. Transcription
6. Translation
7. Regulation of gene expression
Part III. TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS
8. Analytical and preparative methods in Molecular Biology
9. Techniques in molecular biology. Recombinant DNA techniques. Bioinformatics.
10. Applications in genetic engineering.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical and Practical sessions (theoretical-practicals, laboratory and bioinformatics sessions).
In the initial practical sessions, and after a brief presentation by the teacher on specific techniques,
students analyze a scientific paper and expose it briefly. The articles are selected to present the most
common molecular biology techniques.
Subsequently, the laboratory sessions comprehend a small complete research project that includes DNA
extraction to sequence analysis (bioinformatics sessions). In the laboratory sessions the students are
encouraged to use the most common techniques learned in the course, through the use of different
experimental protocols, namely DNA extraction, PCR and DNA analysis by gel electrophoresis. In the
Bioinformatic sessions the students analyze the sequences previously obtained, using common
bioinformatic tools, including molecular phylogeny.
Theoretical Module: Written exam or 2 tests;
Practical Module: written exam and/or written report.

Assessment

Continuous assessment: two written tests (each worth 50%). Short questionnaires/assignments may be given throughout the academic year, worth a maximum of 10% of the final mark for the theoretical and/or practical component.
Final assessment: written examination.

All tests and examinations will consist of two elements: one for the theoretical component and one for the practical component.

The final mark is calculated by weighting the two components: theoretical component (70%) and practical component (30%). To pass the curricular unit, a minimum mark of 9.5 must be obtained in each of the components (theoretical and practical).