BIC-10807 Molecular Life Sciences

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Studiepunten 7.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

BIC-10306

Continuation courses:

ORC-11806, BIC-20806, PCC-20806

Contents:

During this course you study organo-, physico- and bio-chemical properties of 'Metals in bio-systems' and of 'Medicines and drugs', as well as social aspects directly related to both themes. In a group of two students, with changing composition during the practical period, you obtain hands-on experience with various scientific experiments that inform you about fundamental features of both themes. You follow an integrated scientific approach, because both themes are investigated from three angles (i.e., organo-, physico- and bio-chemical). You interpret the scientific results obtained and also generate written reports in which the experiments, the resulting data, and your conclusions are presented. In addition, within one of the themes, you focus on a particular subject and study the societal implications of scientific research. You present the outcome of this latter study in a written report, on a poster, as well as during a lecture. You visit a company and a research institute that are active in one of the themes mentioned. In addition, you make a 'Life Cycle Analysis' of a phenomenon within one of these themes and write a corresponding reflection report that will be included in your ethics portfolio.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- execute various organo-, physico- and bio-chemical experiments;
- analyse and interpret the corresponding experimental data and report the outcome of this exercise in a written report;
- identify a particular social phenomenon and explain its links with scientific research, report on this orally and in writing and discuss the implications with fellow students;
- identify connections between different scientific disciplines;
- cooperate successfully in a group;
- have awareness of social implications of chemistry;
- apply the concept of 'Life Cycle analysis', perform such analysis in a qualitative manner and reflect on it.

Activities:

- various aspects of working in a group, like: meetings, planning, coordinating tasks, etcetera's;
- writing of an essay;
- performing experiments, analysing and interpreting their results;
- presentation of results in a written report and on a poster, as well as orally during a lecture;
- excursions, lectures, and discussions.

Examination:

Marks will be given for:
- essay and poster;
- practical skills;
- written reports.

Literature:

A manual that guides you through the experiments of this course is available at 'WUR-shop'.