Applied Molecular Genetics

Code: BIO14012I

3 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

Sustainable Development Goals

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

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

Trabalho decente e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

Learning Goals

Teach knowledge in the field of Classical Genetics (Mendelian), Population Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics with emphasis on Genetic Engineering. Train students in the use of Mendelian Genetics, Population Genetics and Molecular Genetics, in the sense of permanent improvement of domestic animals. These issues focus on the general principles that apply to normal, healthy animals. The exception to these principles is often the basis for some genetic diseases.

The cell and the cell cycle.
Macromolecules
Mendelian genetics: Mendels laws and their exceptions.
Chromosome structure and function. Linkage.
Pedigree analysis. Mating strategies. Inbreeding, Linebreeding and Crossbreeding.
Applications of Genetics and Genomics in the improvement of livestock and companion animal species.
Nucleic acid structure and function. DNA damage and repair. Transcription and Translation.
Gene transfer in bacteria.
Control of gene expression.
Molecular Markers and their use in Veterinary Medicine.
Technologies applied to DNA. Recombinant DNA, and DNA sequencing.
Molecular techniques.

Teaching Methods

Teaching in the theoretical lectures is carried out through oral exposition, supported by audiovisual methods (PPT, video, etc.), while maintaining interaction with students through discussion of current issues and rapid response questions posed via the web.

Practical and laboratory classes will include discussion of scientific articles and problem-solving. In laboratory practicals, students will conduct a small research project, using fundamental molecular genetics techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis).

Assessment

Continuous Assessment: 2 written tests (relative weight of 50% each).

Final Assessment: written exam.

The contents and activities of both theoretical and practical and laboratory classes are assessed simultaneously at all assessment moments.