Code: | MI111 | Acronym: | GMOL |
Keywords | |
---|---|
Classification | Keyword |
OFICIAL | Medicine |
Active? | Yes |
Responsible unit: | Departamento de Biomedicina |
Course/CS Responsible: | Integrated Master in Medicine |
Acronym | No. of Students | Study Plan | Curricular Years | Credits UCN | Credits ECTS | Contact hours | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MIMED | 287 | Mestrado Integrado em Medicina- Plano oficial 2013 (Reforma Curricular) | 1 | - | 6 | 55 | 162 |
The main objective of the UC “Molecular Genetics ” is to transmit student the more recent knowledge about the dynamics of the human genome and the mechanisms that allow molecular information transmission from DNA to protein. Indeed, the syllabus is extensively dedicated to molecular mechanisms of maintenance of integrity of the genome, methodology employed for study, diagnostic and gene-based therapies. This UC also includes a strong laboratory component that elucidates how to get the knowledge, and integrative scientific papers discussion sessions. The teaching staff includes professors that investigate the basic mechanisms of molecular biology and specialists in human genetics, too.
After approval, the students should demonstrate the knowledge necessary to:
- describe the structure and function of the molecule of DNA
- discuss the mechanisms of storage and decoding of the genetic information (central dogma of Molecular Biology)
- explain the human genome dynamics and the mechanisms of DNA repair
- discriminate the mechanisms of regulation of gene expression
-discriminate the epigenetic mechanisms of regulation of gene expression
- identify the methodology currently employed for the study of the human genome and the sequences of DNA
- describe the molecular mechanisms that take place in cell nucleus
- identify the experimental models for gene expression manipulation and the principles and applications of gene therapy
- identify the techniques of molecular biology necessary to the resolution of biological problems
- autonomously execute techniques of molecular biology
- presenting and critically discussing scientific publication on the scope of the UC
Theoretical contents:
Introduction to Genetics. Historical perspective.
DNA: structure
DNA: replication
DNA: repair
DNA: recombination and transposition
Analysis and localization of nucleic acids
Recombinant DNA techniques
The substrate of genetic information: technologies
Diagnostic techniques in molecular genetics
Human genome
Bioinformatics
Transcription: messenger RNA
Functional protein domains
Transcription: ribossomal and transfer RNA
Control of gene expression
Epigenetic mechanisms of control of gene expression
Cell nucleus.Transport and nucleus-cytoplasm interaction
Protein synthesis
Genetic engineering . Experimental models for manipulation of genetic expression. RNAi
Gene therapy
Practical contents:
Extraction and quantification of DNA
PCR amplification of DNA electrophoresis analysis
Cell nucleus
Bacteria transformation with recombinant DNA
DNA plasmid digestionwith restriction enzymes. Analysis of the restriction map
DNA sequencing
Bioinformatics (analysis of genetic mutation )
Advanced techonology of DNA analysis
The lesson plan comprises lectures, lasting one hour each, and practical classes, 2 hours each. These hands-on practical classes will always be supervised by a teacher in 4 groups of 3-4 students in a molecular biology laboratory. Additionally, practical microscopy lessons with a microscope for each student will also integrate the course.
Sessions for presenting and discuss scientific papers will be mandatory, and each student should prepare an oral presentation.Blended-learning will be used in this UC, considering that for each content, a summary will be made available in the internet page of the da UC, and for theoretical sessions the complete file of the presentation and scientific papers will be also offered. This internet page allows the interaction among students and teachers through a forum of questions relative to the contents of the UC.
Designation | Weight (%) |
---|---|
Exame | 75,00 |
Prova oral | 15,00 |
Trabalho laboratorial | 10,00 |
Total: | 100,00 |
Final assessment will be constituted by a Final assessment (E) and parcel assessment, corresponding to 2 reports from practical learning (Rl) and presentation of a scientific paper (Art) quoted 75% and 25%, respectively. Students must reach a minimal classification of 9.5 (out of 20) following the formula below
0.75 E+Rl+Art.
Final assessment (E): quoted to 20 marks consists of 25 multiple choice questions with discount system (8 marks), 5 true/false questions (0.5 mark), 3 exercises, two relative to theoretical, and one to practical contents, respectively (6 marks), 1 essay question (3 marks), and 10 short-response questions relative to practical learning (2.5 marks)
Reports from practical learning (Rt): the results, obtained during the laboratory sessions that aimed to decipher a biological problem, will be described by the students in two reports during the semester (1 mark each).
The presentation of the scientific paper (Art) will be quoted in the maximum of 3 marks.