2025

Molecular Biology

Name: Molecular Biology
Code: BIO02690L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Biology

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

To provide the students concepts regarding molecular biology and genetics,with special emphasis on control of gene expression and DNA replication.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 iin 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.Students should acquire basic knowledge of the studied molecular phenomena and the ability to interpret new situations.They should also 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.Students will be encouraged to use regularly the e-learning platform (Moodle).

Contents

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,students analyze a scientific paper and expose it briefly.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,(DNA extraction,PCR and DNA analysis by gel electrophoresis).In Bioinformatic sessions the students analyze sequences previously obtained,using common bioinformatic tools,including molecular phylogeny.
By email,the teacher maintains regular contact with the students.Evaluation: Theoretical Module:Written exam or 2 tests; Practical Module:written exam and/or written report.

Assessment

Continuous Assessment: two written tests (relative weight of 50% each). Small questionnaires/assignments may be carried out throughout the semester, with a maximum weight of 10% of the final grade of 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 another for the practical component.
The final grade results from the weighting of the two components: theoretical component (70%) and practical component (30%). To approve the UC it is necessary to obtain a minimum score of 10 values for each of the two components (theoretical and practical).