BIC-20306 Cell Physiology and Genetics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

CBI-10306; MIB-10306

Contents:

Cell Physiology and Genetics gives an overview of classical and molecular genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Background knowledge in each field is presented in the context of selected cases. Each case is approached from a genetic, molecular biological and a biochemical perspective, and is further deepened by discussing relevant research papers and a computer practical. Through the selection of cases, knowledge is gained on the storage and inheritance of genetic information, the gene concept, regulation of gene activity, RNA processing and transport, protein synthesis, protein structure-function relationship and the regulation of protein activity. Selected cases (that can be due to change) are: ' Sickle Cell Disease' , ' Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy' , ' Chromatin structure and function' , ' From genome to functional proteome - Yeast as a model' and ' p53 and Cancer' .

Learning outcomes:

During this course, students are expected to:
- learn the basic principles of inheritance of genetic information, and of mechanisms creating genetic diversity (gene and chromosome mutation, recombination processes);
- learn how chromosomes are organized and how genetic information is mapped;
- become aware of the complex relation between genotype and phenotype;
- learn the principles of expression of genetic information by transcription and translation and of the regulatory mechanisms occurring in these processes;
- get insight into the folding, distribution, modification and degradation of proteins, and how their function relates to their structure;
- reveal the importance of these regulatory mechanisms for a variety of fundamental processes in living organisms, like creation of diversity, development, cell differentiation, metabolism, disease, etc.;
- gain insight into the interconnection of classical scientific disciplines in case studies and deepen knowledge of selected cases by reading and discussing research papers, and writing a short synopsis of the paper;
- test their knowledge and insight by making exercises and a written exam.

Activities:

Attending lectures and participation in computer practicals during which research papers are read and discussed. A brief (1 page A4) summary of one paper is written by each student.

Examination:

The written exam contains both open questions and multiple choice questions. The final mark is determined 80% by the mark for the written exam and 20% by the mark for the paper summary.

Literature:

A course manual can be found on the EDUweb site for this course. Most of the subject material for this course can be found in the following two books:
- B. Alberts et al., 'Molecular Biology of the Cell' , 5th Edition
- J. Berg et al., ' Biochemistry' , 6th Edition
Selected chapters and pages of these two books and the PowerPoint presentations used in the lectures form the basis for questions in the exam.