Basics of molecular biology

Module code

mlsMolBio-01a

Abbreviated title

MolBio

Module components

Lecture, practical, tutorial

When

Semester 1

Module coordinator/

Organiser

A. Nebel (IKMB)

Lecturers

A. Tholey, J. Baines (IEM); A. Nebel, F. Sommer, S. Jabs, R. Häsler (IKMB), S. Fuchs (Experimental Trauma Surgery), K. Reiß (Dermatology)

Contact hours

Lecture 3 CH          Practical 5 CH         Retreat 2 CH         Tutorial 1 CH

Workload

Total: 240 h

Lecture: 60 h
Attendance time 38 h, preparation 8 h, revision 14 h

Tutorial: 30 h

Attendance time 14 h, preparation 6 h, revision 10 h
Practical: 150 h
Attendance time 60 h, preparation 46 h, revision 24 h

Credit points

8 (lecture 2 CP, tutorial 1 CP, practical 5 CP)

Requirements

-

Expected outcome

Knowledge: Students

- can explain and correctly use molecular-biological terminology

-have a thorough basic knowledge of genomics, proteomics and cell biology

- understand the most important lab techniques in the research areas mentioned above and can explain the respective underlying principles and concepts.

Skills: Students

- can apply the basic techniques for safe, precise and tidy lab work

- can apply techniques for DNA, RNA and protein analytics and work with cell cultures in the lab efficiently

- can write experimental protocols.

Competences: Students

- understand the molecular-biological and chemico-physical principles behind lab experiments

- are able to interpret, critically review and discuss the acquired data
- can transfer their knowledge to other scientific questions.

Content

Lecture and practical: Basics of molecular biology and genomics (DNA/RNA), proteomics, cell biology; lab safety, basic lab techniques (weighing, measuring, pipetting, error analysis, titration, photometric measurements); SDS-PAGE proteins, Western Blotting; protein identification, enzyme kinetics, phosphory-lation, mass spectrometry analytics, plasmid DNA: preparation, processing, agarose gel electrophoresis; cell cultures (laminar flow, cell splitting, cell proliferation, cell viability assays, apoptosis, FACS, ELISA, biological barriers; contamination, transient transfections, transfection analysis, cell stimulation); DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, sequence analysis, polymorphism detection; RNA extraction, RT-PCR; immunofluorescence staining, live cell imaging.

Tutorial: Exercises to corroborate knowledge gained in lecture

Module examination/

exam

Ungraded (pass/fail distinction)

Written exam lecture + tutorial [individual exam]

Lab interviews for practical [compound exam]

Media used

PPT presentations, show-case experiments, manuals and instructions for lab work

Literature

Berg JM, Gumport RI, Stryer L, Tymoczko JL, Biochemistry (W.H. Freeman 2006, 6th edition) [still valid]

Strachan T, Read AP, Human Molecular Genetics (Taylor and Francis, 5th edition 2018)

Jones A, Chemistry – An Introduction for Medical and Health Sciences (Wiley 2005) [still valid]

Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P, Molecular Biology of the Cell (Taylor & Francis 2014, 6th edition)

Nelson DL, Cox MM, Principles of Biochemistry: International Edition (WH Freeman 8th edition, 2021).