NEM-50306 BSc Research Project: Exploring the Model Organism C. Elegans

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching method	Contact hours
Practical	84
Independent study

Course coordinator(s)	prof. dr. ir. JE Kammenga
Lecturer(s)	prof. dr. ir. JE Kammenga
Examiner(s)	prof. dr. ir. JE Kammenga

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

MOB-20306 Gene technology; GEN-30306 Genetic analysis, tools and concepts.

Continuation courses:

MSc Biology, MSc Molecular Life Sciences, MSc Biotechnology, MSc Plant Biotechnology, MSc Plant Sciences.

The nematode C. elegans has become a model organism for important breakthrough research in ageing, development and cancer. During this course the student will apply basic molecular genetic knowledge to study genetic pathways in C. elegans. After developing a clear hypothesis, experimental research will be conducted to test this hypothesis. Experimental approaches include all kinds of forward and reverse genetics, Q RT-PCR, data mining (using microarays) and phenotyping, including gene expression profiling.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course unit, the student is expected to be able to;
- develop a clear and testable hypothesis using C. elegans as a model organism;
- perform and critically evaluate experiments in order to study molecular genetic processes;
- undertake academic methods of scientific study such as problem identification, review of scientific literature, quantification of relevant genetic parameters; data collection, analysis and assessment of scientific information;
- convey the results obtained from experimentation and analysis by means of a written report.

Activities:

Develop hypothesis, design molecular experiments with C. elegans, forward and reverse genetic experimentation, study genetic networks, literature research, writing a scientific paper.

Examination:

- written report on practical assignments (100%).
The minimum mark for the written report is 5.5.