Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Molecular Biology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Dr. Miguel Baena: mbaena@uic.es
(Basic Sciences Department)
Introduction
Over the last decades, molecular biology has gone through the most unbelievable and dramatic revolution by far more important than any other scientific discipline. Biology, and, as a consequence, medicine, have to be reconceived by using the new tools, technologies and all the new knowledge brought by molecular and cellular biology as well as by biochemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Pre-course requirements
Prerequisites are not required
Objectives
The most important objective of the subject is to achieve a strong conceptual base and acquire the ability to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge of the different topics of Molecular Biology. The student will be provided with the essential scientific knowledge to understand the gene function and its implications in the molecular basis of the disease.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE02 - To be aware of the molecular foundations that explain transcriptional and post-transcriptional phenomena in eukaryotes in their adult state and during their development, as well as the basic genetic principles that define the basis of genetic inheritance.
- CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
- Know the molecular bases and mechanisms of the flow of genetic information and its regulation.
- Know the mechanisms of storage and processing of genetic information.
- Solve exercises and problems raised during the course
- Know the basic methodology used in Molecular Biology
- Understand the results presented in an easy-to-read scientific article
Syllabus
Topic 1: Introduction to Molecular Biology. Molecular Biology in Biomedicine.
Topic 2: Molecular evolution of the cell. Proteins as machines.
Topic 3: Structure and function of nucleic acids.
Topic 4: Composition and structure of chromatin.
Topic 5: Molecular biology of the gene.
Topic 6: DNA replication.
Topic 7: Mutation and DNA repair.
Topic 8: Transcription.
Topic 9: Transcriptional regulation.
Topic 10: Translation.
Topic 11: Post-translational modifications.
Topic 12: Signaling pathways that control gene activity.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lecture (Master class, CM): Explanation of a theoretical topic by the instructor, for 2 hours.
Case methods (MC): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the problem in small groups and later in class, the answers are discussed. The instructor actively participates and, if necessary, explains new knowledge to the students.
Practical (P): Experimental demonstration in the laboratory about concepts studied in theoretical classes. Familiarization with the most frequent experimental techniques used at a biochemistry laboratory.
Virtual Education (EV): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to self-learning concepts related to the subject
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The average grade will be calculated taking into account the different evaluable activities that will be carried out throughout the course:
- Partial exam: 20 %.
- Practical exam: 10 %.
- Final exam: 60 %.
- Case Methods: 10 %.
To pass the course it is essential:
- Grade > 5 in the final exam.
- Grade > 5 in the average of the course.
Aspects to take into account:
- Attendance at practicals is compulsory. Unexcused absence to a practice session will imply -0.5 points less in the total grade of the course. Unexcused absence to 2 or more practice sessions will result in automatic failure of the course.
- Attendance to all case methods is not mandatory, but unexcused absence to a CM will mean a 0 in the grade of that particular CM. The accumulation of 4 or more 0's for unexcused absences in the MCs, will mean an automatic failure in this part of the subject (equivalent to 10% of the total grade of Molecular Biology).
- In order to pass the course, it is essential to pass the final exam with a minimum grade of 5. Once this grade is obtained, it is necessary to get an average grade of at least 5 in the total of the course in order to pass it.
- Repeating students are NOT obliged to repeat the practicals or the MCs, since the grade of the previous course is kept.
- In the case of repeating students, it is not necessary to repeat the partial exam; in this case, the final exam is worth 80% of the total of the course.
Bibliography and resources
Alberts, B et al. Biología Molecular de la Célula. 6ª edición. Ediciones Omega 2016.
Lodish et al. Biología Celular y Molecular. 7ª edición. Editorial Médica Panamericana S.A. 2016.
C.K. Mathews, K.E. Van Holde y K.G. Ahern (2002) Bioquímica. 3ª Edición. Pearson Educación.
Evaluation period
- E1 10/01/2024 A16 14:00h
- R1 22/01/2024 A16 16:00h
- E2 14/06/2024 A16 14:00h