Basic Molecular Biology

The course aims at providing the students with an introduction to the molecular mechanisms which are the foundations of biological processes in cells and organisms. An introduction to necessary biological background knowlegde will be given. Fundamental principles within molecular biology and genetics will also be covered. Ethical considerations connected with the use of gene technology will be discussed.

After completing the course MOL4010 the student should be able to:

• explain the structure and function of cells and cell organelles for eukaryote and prokaryote cells
• explain the structure and function of DNA, RNA, protein, fat substance and carbohydrates in a cell biological relation
• explain central cell biological processes and how they are regulated and quality assured (for instance: replication and cell division, gene expression and signal transduction)
• explain how different cell types get and transform energy
• explain genetic variation and inheritance
• understand how molecular cell biology forms the foundation of biotechnology in different social structures.

Problem-based learning (PBL) in groups, lectures and visit to a molecular biologic laboratory. There will be a PBL group in English if required.