NEM-50806 BSc Research Project for Cell and Molecular Biologists

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English.

Assumed knowledge on:

MOB-20306 Gene Technology; GEN-30306 Genetic Analysis, Tools and Concepts.

Continuation courses:

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

Contents:

Animals and plants are continuously under attack by a range of organisms. This BSc research thesis is aimed at understanding and dissecting signal transduction process involved in defence mechanisms. To defend themselves, animals and plants have an immune system at their disposal to recognize non-self invaders. Plants are suitable organisms for students to study signal transduction processes by the latest insights and technologies e.g. RNAi, microarrays and fluorescent imaging. The aim of this individual course is that students apply their knowledge and experimental skills acquired in previous courses. Each student will design an experiment based on recent literature, carry out the proposed experiment and write a report in the format of a publication for a scientific journal.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course unit, the student is expected to be able to;
- develop a testable hypothesis based on a selected set of publications;
- design and carry-out a realistic workplan;
- perform and critically evaluate experiments in signal transduction research;
- apply previous acquired knowledge and experimental skills;
- write a report in the form of a publication for a peer reviewed journal.

Activities:

- develop hypothesis;
- design molecular experiments;
- molecular cloning, PCR, bioinformatics;
- transient expression in plants;
- literature research;
- writing a scientific paper.

Examination:

By means of an individual written report in the form of a scientific publication.

Literature:

Provided at the start of the course.