2023
Molecular Biology
Name: Molecular Biology
Code: BIO12412L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
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
Learning Goals
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
- Recognize the implications of the discoveries of molecular biology, relating in particular to the control of gene expression and DNA replication, in the understanding of the diverse cellular phenomena, in Archaea, Prokaryotes and Eucaryotes.
- Describe the molecular biology principles that underlie the study of fundamental biological issues, as well as the practical applications of genetic engineering, namely in health, agriculture, etc.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge about the studied molecular phenomena.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret new situations in the light of the integrated knowledge.
- Demonstrate competence in planning experiences and interpreting concrete results involving the various practical methodologies covered.
- Recognize the implications of the discoveries of molecular biology, relating in particular to the control of gene expression and DNA replication, in the understanding of the diverse cellular phenomena, in Archaea, Prokaryotes and Eucaryotes.
- Describe the molecular biology principles that underlie the study of fundamental biological issues, as well as the practical applications of genetic engineering, namely in health, agriculture, etc.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge about the studied molecular phenomena.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret new situations in the light of the integrated knowledge.
- Demonstrate competence in planning experiences and interpreting concrete results involving the various practical methodologies covered.
Contents
Theoretical
Part I. DNA, GENES and GENOMES.
1. Genes and Chromosomes;
2. DNA replication;
3. Recombination and transposition;
4. Mutation and repair;
5. Transcription;
6. Translation;
7. Regulation of gene expression;
Part II. TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS.
8. Analytical methods, preparations and techniques in molecular biology;
9. Applications in genetic engineering;
10. Advances in Molecular Biology.
Practical and Laboratory.
1. Comparative Genomics;
3. Main methods of DNA extraction;
4. DNA amplification by PCR;
5. Electrophoresis and Hybridization;
6. Purification of PCR products;
7. Restriction enzyme digestion;
8. DNA cloning;
9. DNA sequencing;
10. Gene Deletion: Applications.
Part I. DNA, GENES and GENOMES.
1. Genes and Chromosomes;
2. DNA replication;
3. Recombination and transposition;
4. Mutation and repair;
5. Transcription;
6. Translation;
7. Regulation of gene expression;
Part II. TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS.
8. Analytical methods, preparations and techniques in molecular biology;
9. Applications in genetic engineering;
10. Advances in Molecular Biology.
Practical and Laboratory.
1. Comparative Genomics;
3. Main methods of DNA extraction;
4. DNA amplification by PCR;
5. Electrophoresis and Hybridization;
6. Purification of PCR products;
7. Restriction enzyme digestion;
8. DNA cloning;
9. DNA sequencing;
10. Gene Deletion: Applications.
Teaching Methods
Teaching in the theoretical lectures is carried out through oral exposition, supported by audiovisual methods (PPT, video, etc.), while maintaining interaction with the students through discussion of current issues and rapid response questions posed via web.
In the first practical and laboratory classes, specific techniques will be covered, with analyses of scientific articles and discussion periods. The articles are selected to present the most common molecular biology techniques. Later on, students carry out a small research project, from DNA extraction to sequence analysis (bioinformatics classes). The students will perform in the laboratory some of the most commonly used laboratory techniques in molecular biology, namely extraction, PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. In practical bioinformatics classes, students use web tools and specific software to analyse the sequences they have obtained.
In the first practical and laboratory classes, specific techniques will be covered, with analyses of scientific articles and discussion periods. The articles are selected to present the most common molecular biology techniques. Later on, students carry out a small research project, from DNA extraction to sequence analysis (bioinformatics classes). The students will perform in the laboratory some of the most commonly used laboratory techniques in molecular biology, namely extraction, PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. In practical bioinformatics classes, students use web tools and specific software to analyse the sequences they have obtained.
Assessment
Continuous Assessment: two written tests (relative weight of 50% each). Small quizzes/assignments may be carried out throughout the term, with a maximum weight of 10% of the final mark for the theoretical and/or practical component.
Final assessment: written exam.
All tests and exams will consist of two elements: one for the theoretical component and one for the practical component.
The final grade for the course results from the weighting of the two components: the theoretical component (70%) and the practical component (30%). To pass the course, the students must obtain a minimum mark of 10 for each of the components (theoretical and practical).
Final assessment: written exam.
All tests and exams will consist of two elements: one for the theoretical component and one for the practical component.
The final grade for the course results from the weighting of the two components: the theoretical component (70%) and the practical component (30%). To pass the course, the students must obtain a minimum mark of 10 for each of the components (theoretical and practical).
Teaching Staff
- Ana Isabel Pereira Alexandre [responsible]
- Catarina Sofia Pereira Mateus
