Course manual 2023/2024
Course content
The course provides fundamental knowledge on molecular and cellular Biology. The subjects addressed are the following:
- Basic knowledge of DNA, genomes, genes, gene regulation, transcription, RNA, translation, gene regulation, the cell cycle.
- Up-to-date molecular techniques such as High-throughput sequencing, Microarray analysis, Chromatin immunoprecipitation, Bisulfite sequencing, proteomics.
- Basic Biotechnology: genetically modified organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, plants and animals.
- Basic knowledge on the regulation of gene expression and genome function by chromatin structure, DNA methylation, RNA interference and long non-coding RNAs.
- Basic knowledge of protein synthesis, protein targeting, protein trafficking and cell signaling.
- Basic knowledge on cell biology, cell organelles, cytoskeleton and cell cycle.
Study materials
Literature
Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et al., Taylor & Francis Inc (6th and 7th edition; Chapter 1-18).
Recommended: Epigenetics, Allis D., Cold Spring Harbor Press, (2nd ed, 2015)
Syllabus
Software
Objectives
- Explain basic molecular and cellular processes
- Interpret data, figures, formulas and schemes on molecular and cellular processes
- Sketch molecular and cellular processes textually and in drawings
- Analyse datasets using basic web tools for genomic and proteomic data
- Interpret data obtained by using basic web tools for genomic and proteomic data
- Evaluate literature on molecular and cellular processes in a critical manner
- Formulate information on molecular and cellular processes in a structured and logic manner
- Present information on molecular and cellular processes in a structured and logic manner to peers
- Evaluate and criticize information on molecular and cellular processes in a constructive manner with peers
Teaching methods
- Lecture
- Computer lab session/practical training
- Presentation/symposium
- Self-study
- Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
- Supervision/feedback meeting
- Seminar
- At the lectures the basic knowledge on molecular and cellular processes is provided, explained and discussed. Students are involved in the lectures by asking questions to the students.
- At the tutorials (seminars) the students will apply the knowledge obtained in the lectures by answering old exam questions and questions designed specifically for the tutorials. The students will have to interpret figures, formulas and schemes during the tutorial and sketch molecular and cellular processes in drawings. The answers given by students are discussed by the lecturers in an interactive manner.
- In computer practicals students apply acquired knowledge, learn to use basic web tools for genome and proteome analysis and interpret the results obtained.
- The knowledge discussed in the lectures and practiced at the tutorials is the basis for an assignment that aims to train students in a critical evaluation of literature, in formulating knowledge on molecular and cellular processes in a structured and logic manner in a short 2 page essay. They in addition learn to collaborate in small groups.
- The knowledge acquired is presented to an audience of peers. Through presentation of their topic, questions asked by their peers and feedback of lecturers, students become acquainted with the scientific method.
- The feedback the students receive on their draft and final versions of the short essay and presentation stimulate them to reflect and improve their performance.
- During self-study the students learn to memorise and comprehend the knowledge provided.
Learning activities
Activity | Hours |
Self study | 168 |
Total | 168 | (6 EC x 28 uur) |
Attendance
Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):
- Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.
Additional requirements for this course:
Attendance at computer practicals, the digital test, and at feedback moments and presentations of the Assignment is mandatory.
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is highly recommended.
In case of serious issues contact the course coordinator.
Assessment
| Item and weight
|
Details
|
|
| |
|
| Must be ≥ 5 |
Presentation of literature assignment
| Must be ≥ 5 |
Partial grade Digital exams (60%) (Exam+ digital test)
| Must be ≥ 5 |
In case of serious issues, please contact course coordinator.
Inspection of assessed work
The results of the digital test and final digital exam will be open for inspection for students. The time slots will be announced on Canvas. It will be required that students who want to inspect their results register for these inspections.
Assignments
For the literature assignment the students will work together in small groups (3-4 students. They will prepare a short 2-page assay to summarise the topic and their ideas (non-assessed), and this is discussed with instructors to prepare a draft presentation. After feedback, the students will prepare a presentation about their literature assignment. This will be assessed based on scientific quality and on the clarity of the presentation (both 50%). Furthermore, each group will prepare scientific questions for a presentation of another group of a different topic, for which maximally 1 bonus point can be given, based on the quality of the discussion.
Fraud and plagiarism
The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl
Course structure
| Weeknummer | Onderwerpen | Studiestof |
| 1 | | |
| 2 | | |
| 3 | | |
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| 8 | | |
The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.
It is recommended to perform the background knowledge test available at the Blackboard site a couple of weeks before the start of the course. If the test indicates a gap in your active knowledge you still have time to refresh your memory. The test does not count for your final mark. The course is a full-time course.
Coordinator
Staff
- dr. Renée van Amerongen
- M. Bliek ing.
- dr. Thijs van Boxtel
- Filipe Branco dos Santos
- prof. dr. Stanley Brul
- prof. dr. V.M. Christoffels
- dr. L. Dong
- dr. R.A.F. Gjaltema
- dr. ir. J. Goedhart
- prof. dr. L.W. Hamoen
- dr. ir. M.A. Hink
- Huub Hoefsloot
- R. Bader
- Sébastien Jaupitre
- K. Peek MSc
- dr. M. Postma
- dr. J.C. van der Spek
- dr. M.E. Stam
- dr. ing. F.L.W. Takken
- S.A.E. van Wouw
- dr. rer. nat. Jianbo Zhang