Molecular Cell Biology I

Course goals

1. explain the major structural characteristics of the macromolecules, membranes and organelles and how this is related to their function.
2. describe the general mechanisms and concepts by which cellular behaviour is regulated, i.e. growth, cell division, development, metabolism, responses to internal and external signals.
3. have a basic understanding of, and can work with, the basic principles of inheritance at the molecular, cellular and organismal level, including the relationship between genotype and
   phenotype in parents and their offspring, as well as its implication in biology and medicine.
4. describe, compare and contrast, the general mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and mRNA translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
5. explain the theory and practice of recombinant DNA technological techniques, such as PCR, cloning, DNA sequencing and DNA microarray

Relationship between assessment and learning goals:

In this course, the final course grade is based on six elements: three written exams, a reflective essay, presentation and active class participation. 
1.   Written in-class exam 1: this tests your knowledge and understanding of the main macromolecules and lipids and cellular components and how this is related to their function.  What are the concepts and principles of communication in response to internal and external signals. The inner workings of cells and their organelles as well as the understanding of the basic chemistry of metabolism and the way cells harvest and use energy is tested as well. This is covered in unit one of the course (course goal 1 and 2).
2.   Written in-class exam 2: this tests your knowledge of, and ability to work with, the basic principles of inheritance. How this relates between different generations and what are their implications in biology and medicine. Your knowledge of DNA replication, transcription  and mRNA translation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes is tested.  This is covered in unit two of the course (course goals  2, 3, and 4)
3.   Written in-class exam 3: this tests your knowledge of, and ability to work with various molecular biological techniques (e.g. DNA sequencing and PCR) as well as the implications in society of these. This is covered in unit three of the course (course goals  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
4.   Presentation: You will give a presentation on an interesting topic of your choice in the field of molecular cell biology. This short presentation should, amongst others, show your ability to be able to present the essence, relevance and background of the topic. You will also give feedback to presentations using pitch to peers.  (course goal 6)
5.   Active class participation: The class participation grade is build on the following components: You should actively participate in class as discussions in science are very important to find solutions to problems and to practice the material. The number of classes that you have missed. Peer feedback on the presentations class preparations including homework questions.
 
 

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