Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Basic Molecular Biology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Rut Fadó, PhD in Biochemistry
Basics Sciences Area of the UIC
Assistant lecturer and researcher
Please contact me by email if you have any questions: rfado@uic.es.
Introduction
Molecular biology is the scientific discipline that aims to study the processes taking place in living organisms from a molecular point of view, particularly the interactions between the DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and how these interactions are regulated.
In this subject, the theoretical contents about DNA and protein structure, protein synthesis and its regulation and techniques for DNA/RNA and protein detection are presented as self-learning material, with very schematized information, support videos and self-evaluation tests. Methodological content is covered by short questions about the results of real dentistry papers where the different techniques are applied. To practice their ability to learn autonomously knowledge and scientific advances, students must dissect the most relevant aspects of a research article. Finally, the laboratory practices meet the main objective of the subject: to carry out the scientific method by applying theoretical knowledge, acquiring skills in Molecular Biology techniques, developing students’ capacity for critical analysis of experimental results and presenting their own conclusions.
Pre-course requirements
None.
Objectives
- Deepen knowledge of Molecular and Cell Biology, acquiring an integrated view.
- Acquire a systematic, rigorous, and updated knowledge and a critical view of the main themes of the scientific area of specialization within the field of Molecular and Cell Biology.
- Acquire the basic skills to work in the experimental laboratory in the field of Molecular and Cell Biology.
- Acquire the knowledge and ability to identify problems, find practical and creative solutions and to implement them in the context of research in the field of Molecular and Cell Biology.
- Acquire the ability to plan and carry out a research project.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB10 - Acquire learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a self-directed and autonomous mode.
- CB7 - To apply the acquired knowledge, and develop their ability to solve problems in new environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.
- CB8 - Integrate knowledge and deals with the complexity of formulate judgments based on scientific evidence, from information that may be incomplete or limited, include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
- CE1 - Ability to apply the scientific method, the experimental design and the biostatistics to solve a problem or corroborate hypothesis.
- CE2 - Knowing how to use and apply the most common laboratory techniques in the fields of molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, biomaterials, cell and tissue culture, immunology, and microscopy in a dental field
- CG2 - Ability to review analysis and discussion of the experimental results and to issue the corresponding conclusions.
- CG3 - Self learning ability in the development of new techniques, in the knowledge of new scientific concepts and in the search of new scientific information
Learning outcomes of the subject
- Understand and use the scientific terminology used in the field of Molecular Biology.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in Molecular Biology, stem cells and tissue regeneration applied to Dentistry.
- Explain and apply the most common laboratory techniques in Molecular Biology, cell cultures, genetics, microscopy and tissue regeneration.
- Analyse, discuss and extract conclusions from experimental results obtained using Molecular Biology techniques applied to Dentistry.
- Apply the acquired knowledge to the resolution of new problems in the field of Molecular Biology that can be useful for the diagnosis and treatment applied to Dentistry.
Syllabus
Chapter 1. DNA structure
Chapter 2. Protein structure
Chapter 3. Laboratory for DNA/RNA detection
Chapter 4. Laboratory for protein detection
Chapter 5. Stem cells
Chapter 6. Bone tissue engineering
Chapter 7. Laboratory practices
Teaching and learning activities
In blended
Methodology:
- Self-learning material
- Activities and exercises
- Self-evaluation exams
- Laboratory practices (in-person)
Evaluation systems and criteria
In blended
Exams chapters 1, 2 and 5: 30%
Exercise chapter 3 and 4: 30%
Exercise chapter 6: 10%
Laboratory practices: 30%
Attendance at laboratory practices is mandatory (classroom and online).
To obtain the average, students must score at least 5 points on all evaluated parts.
The exams will be multiple choice with 4 answer choices and only 1 correct. For the correct answers add +1 and the failures subtract -0.33.
Availability dates of each chapter (materials, activities and tests) are indicated in the Moodle.
Bibliography and resources
- Alberts B, et al. Molecular Biology of the cell. 6th edition Garland Science, 2015.
- Lodish H, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 7th edition Macmillan Learning, 2013 (existeix 8th edition, 2016).
- Nelson DL, Cox MM. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 6th edition Macmillan Learning, 2013 (existeix 7th edition, 2017).
- Watson J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Gene. 7th edition Pearson, 2013