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BIO211 Laboratory Course in Molecular Biology

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Daniel Straume

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:

Maximum 48 students, prioritized as follows:

  1. students who have BIO211 as a mandatory course in their education plan
  2. required courses for BIO211

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:

  • Lectures and reviews: 20 hours.
  • Laboratory exercises and preparation: 80 hours.
  • Journal writing: 25 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Januar block. This course has teaching/evaluation in Januar block.

About this course

The course consists of three independent laboratory assignments. Techniques used

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • DNA purification
  • DNA cloning
  • Gel electrophoresis
  • Transformation
  • Overexpression of recombinant protein
  • Protein purification
  • DNA and protein sequence analyses
  • Mikroskopi

The students write a laboratory report covering

  1. Abstract
  2. Theoretical introduction
  3. Description of methods
  4. Presentation of the results
  5. Discussion of the results (both positive and negative results)
  6. Conclusion

    7. In addition, answers to a set of questions related to the lab exercises is to be attached to the lab report.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Students will gain insight in and hands-on experience with some central technologies in molecular biology, such as PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, bioinformatic tools for sequence analyses, purification of DNA and protein, and microscopy. Other central aspects of the course are to learn how to write scientific reports based on experimental data, to participate actively, and to work independently during the course.

Skills

Students can make use of their theoretical knowledge and lab-experience to solve some simple biological problems, such as to use bioinformatic tools to search for sequences, to do sequence analysis, to clone a gene, to control gene expression, to measure biological activity, and to follow and perform protocols for DNA and protein purification and analysis.

The student is able to perform the preparations, techniques and analyses employed in the course. The student masters the instruments and equipment used in the course.

Acquired skills can later contribute to the development of various molecular tools to solve important problems in the society or in the environment. E.g., to

  • Improve human and animal health (develop new medicals, vaccines, diagnostic tools, healthier foods etc.).
  • Secure life quality on land and in waters by removing toxic pollutants through enzymatic processes,
  • Produce more and healthier food using genetic technologies.
  • Surveillance and combat/prevent infections in society.

These opportunities and challenges are central in many UN sustainable development goals.

General competence

Students should

  • have an overview of and the ability to use central molecular tools in bioresearch.
  • be able to work independently in lab
  • be able to work in research, on projects with supervision, and
  • be able to write a report based on experimental data.
  • Learning activities
    • Laboratory course.
    • Short lectures will be given before each laboratory exercise and the results will be discussed.
    • Journal writing.
    • Practical guidance and assistance during the course is given by experienced teachers.
  • Teaching support

    4-5 teaching assistants will be present for academic guidance during the course.

    Canvas.

  • Prerequisites
    • Cell Biology equivalent to BIO100.
    • Genetics equivalent to BIO120.
    • Microbiology equivalent to BIO130.
    • Molecular Biology equivalent to BIO210 (may have been taken the fall term immediately before).
  • Assessment method
    Written laboratory journals and answers to questions must be approved.

    Portfolio Grading: Passed / Not Passed
  • Examiner scheme
    An external examiner approves the laboratory exercises. Internal examiners grades the laboratory journals.
  • Mandatory activity

    Compulsory laboratory exercises.

    Students must be present at all time during the course. Otherwise the course will not be approved.

  • Notes

    Maximum 48 students.

    Replacement for BIO211: Students may alternatively follow the course BIO233 Experimental Environmental Microbiology. Please contact the study advisors at KBM for approval.

  • Teaching hours

    Two weeks' intensive course: Laboratory assignments will be discussed before they are given. Laboratory work will be explained and followed up on. The class will review and discuss laboratory results. Writing of a journal during the course.

    Unless otherwise notified, the lab part of the course will take place during the first two weeks of the January-block. Deadline to submit the report is one week after the lab part of the course.

    Students must be present all day during the course. It is not possible to include other activities during the course period.

  • Preferential right

    Students on

    • the Bachelor's program in Biotechnology
    • the Master's program in Technology, specialisation Chemistry and Biotechnology
    • the Master's program in Food Science
  • Admission requirements
    Special requirements in Science