Molecular Biology

Code:

EBE0204

Acronym:

BIOMOL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Molecular Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Bioengineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIB	76	Syllabus	2	-	6	70	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Acquire knowledge about the organization and function of DNA. To understand the structure and replication of the DNA, its organization, the organization of gene in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, to the type of information contained within the genome and how it is transcribed, what are the different types of RNA molecules, the mechanisms of processing RNAs, how can DNA be altered and what are the mechanisms used for repair and recombination. The general principles of regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and the mechanisms that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. To understand the relationship between regulation of gene expression and cellular determination and differentiation in complex multicellular organisms. The concept of epigenetics and cellular memory. The basis of recombinant DNA technology and the different techniques that allow manipulation of the DNA. The development of genomics and the techniques that allow one to undergo a system biology approach to study organisms.

Learning outcomes and competences

The syllabus of the curricular unit is directly related to the objectives given that the central theme of the course is the study of the mechanisms that cells use to encode and use the information stored in the DNA, how the cell transcribes that information into intermediary RNA molecules and eventually translate it into proteins and how the genetic material is replicated from one generation to the next. The units explores the different type of RNA molecules, how are they produce and eventually processed in order to give their final product. The unit also explores the mechanisms that regulate gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes with especial emphasis on the relationship between cellular determination and differentiation during animal development. Epigenetics as a form of cellular memory and other modification of chromatin. In the second part of the course we explore the modern techniques used to isolate, purify and clone DNA. How to study it and how we can manipulate it. These techniques are presented with the view to better understand how genomes are constructed and how the work.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic Cell Biology, Biochemistry and genetics.

Program

1. Introduction and general approaches to modern biology


2. DNA Structure and organization


3. DNA Replication


4. Transcription


5. The genetic code


6. Translation


7. RNA processing


8. Recombinant DNA techniques


9. Alteration and repair of DNA


10. Recombination


11. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryots


12. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes


13. Virus


14. Oncogenes and cancer

Mandatory literature

Alberts Bruce 070; Molecular biology of the cell. ISBN: 0-8153-1620-8
Krebs Jocelyn E.; Lewin.s genes XI. ISBN: 978-1-4496-5985-1
Wolfe Stephen L.; Molecular and cellular biology. ISBN: 0-534-12408-9
Azevedo Carlos José Correia de 340; Biologia celular e molecular. ISBN: 978-972-757-692-0

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical and pratical classes.

keywords

Health sciences
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Cell biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Molecular biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences

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	4,00
Trabalho laboratorial	6,00
Total:	10,00

Eligibility for exams

2/3 pratical classes

Calculation formula of final grade

80% final exam related to the theoretical parte of the course (multiple choice)
20% final exam related to the practical aspect of the course  (Multiplel choice)

Internship work/project

not aplicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Special evaluation when requested and justified.

Classification improvement

Can present for aditional exam to inprove the grade