Molekylær medisinsk mikrobiologi med laboratoriearbeid

Molecular methods are important for the diagnosis of infectious diseases and for characterization of the microorganisms causing such infections. In this course the student will be introduced to the use of molecular genetic methods in the diagnosis of human pathogenic microoganisms, including methods for extraction of nucleic acids, qualitative and quantitative PCR and DNA sequencing. Principles for primer and probe design will be explained, as well as use of bioinformatics in the design of PCR assays. Methods for genotyping of microorganisms are important for the study of transmission and dissemination of infectious diseases in hospitals and in the community. A range of genotyping methods developed for this purpose will be presented and discussed.

After completion of the course MOL3003, the student should be able to:
- demonstrate a strong general knowledge in molecular medical microbiology
- have good knowledge of the PCR method including design, optimization and validation for detection, identification and quantification of microorganisms
- demonstrate basic skills in performing PCR in the laboratory
- discuss interpretation of PCR results and limitations of the method
- demonstrate knowledge of other molecular methods for identification and quantification of microorganisms
- demonstrate good knowledge of molecular methods for genotyping of microbial agents, and discuss the use of molecular epidemiological methods in the investigation of infectious diseases
- describe the use of bioinformatics tools in molecular medical microbiology, and have basic skills in the use of such methods
- describe and discuss the use of relevant quality control measures in the molecular medical microbiology laboratory

Lectures, demonstrations and laboratory exercises, and a compulsory written assignment which counts 25% of the final grade.

The language of teaching and examination is English. The course has restricted admission. Two-thirds of the seats are reserved for first-year master's students in molecular medicine. One-third of the seats are reserved for second-year master's students in molecular medicine and other master's students at NTNU. Timetables for courses at the Faculty of Medicine are available at https://timeplan.medisin.ntnu.no/timetable_show.php