Molecular Microbiology

Code:

B4036

Acronym:

B4036

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2019/2020 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Cell and Molecular Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:BCM	21	Official Study Plan until 2023/2024	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The objectives of Molecular Microbiology, must translate the specific skills that are expected to be developed by the students, namely: • Plan, execute and interpret experiments. • Familiarization with routine techniques in microbiology and biology molecular (culture of microorganisms, PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis of agarose and polyacrylamide, Western blot, sequencing etc.). • Familiarization with databases of genomic information and protein and bioinformatics tools (Blast, ClustalW, Primer3, etc.). • Autonomy in search of scientific literature on a particular topic and using the free tools such as PubMed of NCBI also available in the Virtual Library of UP, in particular the Web of Knowledge. • Develop the capacity of oral and written communication. • Develop the capacity of synthesis and critical thinking.

Learning outcomes and competences

Mastering of routine techniques in Microbiology and Molecular Biology and experimental design. Understanding of the different regulation levels of gene expression  (transcription, translation and post-translation) using case studies.

Working method

Presencial

Program

The programme of Molecular Microbiology is focused on the development of experimental projects aiming to allow the students get familiarized with a research dynamic environment. Two themes are addressed: i) Molecular methods for the identification of cyanobacteria. Screening of nitrogen-fixing and toxin strains, and ii) Bacterial detection, identification and typing: state of the art. The students will benefit from the known-how and the resources involved in research, particularly concerning the specific competences of the research group. The proposals address themes on based and applied research in microbiology using molecular tools.

Mandatory literature

Hurst, C.J., R.L. Crawford, J.L. Garland, D.A. Lipson, A.L. Mills & L.D. Stetzenbach; Manual of environmental microbiology, ASM Press, Washington, D.C., 2007. ISBN: 978-1-55581-379-6
Kutter, E. & A. Sulakvelidze; Bacteriophages. Biology and Applications., CRC Press, 2005. ISBN: 0-8493-1336-8

Teaching methods and learning activities

Introductory lectures to the research topics, laboratory classes, presentation of results and discussion using a framework (scientific articles and case studies).

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	120,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance of 75% of the classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final examination - 100% (20 points)