Molecular Genetics of Eukaryotes
Code: 104121Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Genetics | OB | 2 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- María Pilar Garcia Guerreiro
- Email :
- mariapilar.garcia.guerreiro@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Irene Barguilla Moreno
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
-To review the basics concepts in Genetics and Biochemistry learned during the first year of the Genetics degree. To know and understand the Mendelian principles and transmission of genetic information, the chromosomal theory of inheritance, cell cycle and nuclear division.
- Comprehension English skills
Objectives
The fundamentals of Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics are explained in this course. This course takes place in the second-year of the Genetics degree providing the fundamental molecular knowledge of inheritance. The course is focus to give the current information on Molecular Genetics regarding gene structure and function, DNA replication, transcription and translation, as well as regulatory mechanisms of the transmission of the genetic information. In addition, the students will be familiar with some of the main molecular techniques and their applications in life sciences and health. Then, this course looks at the molecular basis of inheritance which principles were learned during the first year in the Genetics course. Complementary to this course are the Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics laboratory practices that is simultaneously teach in the Combined Laboratory III course, and the Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes and the Instrumental Techniques courses.
The educational objectives are as follows:
1) Acquisition of the basic concepts in molecular genetics as well as the composition of the nucleic acids and their roles in the molecular processes.
2) To obtain the essential knowledge about the processes driving the flow of genetic information, from DNA replication, transcription and translation in the organisms.
3) To be familiar with the regulatory processes of gene expression.
Learning outcomes
- CM24 (Evaluate the validity and significance of experimental results on molecular mechanisms and developmental processes.) Evaluate the validity and significance of experimental results on molecular mechanisms and developmental processes.
- KM18 (Describe the mechanisms of gene expression and its regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, integrating their bioethical implications and the gender perspective in genomics.) Describe the mechanisms of gene expression and its regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, integrating their bioethical implications and the gender perspective in genomics.
- KM19 (Explain the molecular processes of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the genetic basis of cell development and differentiation.) Explain the molecular processes of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the genetic basis of cell development and differentiation.
- SM23 (Relate the structure and dynamics of nucleic acids to the application of molecular techniques in the study of developmental biology.) Relate the structure and dynamics of nucleic acids to the application of molecular techniques in the study of developmental biology.
Contents
1- Introduction to Molecular Genetics
2- The nature of genetic material
3-Eukaryotic genome organization
4-Eukaryotic chromosome structure
5-Replication and recombination of genetic material
6-Transposable elements
7-Eukaryotic transcription
8-RNA categories and processing mechanisms
9-Genetic code and the translation process
10-Eukaryotic gene regulation
11- Modification and processing mechanisms of proteins and cellular cycle regulation
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bibliographical searches | 9 | 0.36 | KM18, KM19, SM23 |
| Theory lectures | 33 | 1.32 | CM24, KM18, KM19, SM23 |
| Study | 58 | 2.32 | KM18, KM19, SM23 |
| Problems/Seminars | 7 | 0.28 | CM24, SM23 |
| Tutorials | 6 | 0.24 | CM24, KM18, KM19, SM23 |
| Problem solving | 18 | 0.72 | CM24 |
| Reading of prescribed texts | 12 | 0.48 | KM18, KM19, SM23 |
Lectures:
Lectures are based on master classes with ICT support. Emphasis is made to acquisition of important concepts and skills for the students. Also the use of diverse information sources facilitates the understanding of complex issues. Lectures do not offer much interaction but using diverse ICTs (ex. video projection) encourage discussion and dynamism along the lessons.
Problems-Seminars:
The sessions are performed in small groups which allow to deepen the information given on the master class and to work on specific areas of the course. These sessions promote students to apply the theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, as well as to demonstrate their skills by solving problems on the blackboard. In addition, students have to debate practical cases, and to make the oral presentation of topics proposed in class.
Tutorials:
Here the student has the possibility to raise specific doubts related to the course.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial exam 2 | 40% of the final grade | 1.5 | 0.06 | CM24, KM18, KM19 |
| Partial exam 1 | 40% of the final grade | 1.5 | 0.06 | CM24, KM19, SM23 |
| Resolution of exercices and oral presentations | 20% of the final grade | 4 | 0.16 | CM24, KM18, KM19, SM23 |
Evaluation
The evaluation of contents of the theory and problems/seminars sessions is done as follows:
1. The students perform two midterm exams to evaluate the theory and problem contents. It is necessary to obtain a grade ≥ 5 in each of the midterm exams, to pass the subject. The grade corresponding to this evaluation is the average of the individual grade obtained in the two test. The average grade obtained by this concept represents 80% of the final subject grade. The student will be able to overcome any failed midterm exam or to improve the grade through a second-chance exam at the end of the course. If the student do this exam to improve the grade, only the grade of the last exam will be valid. To be eligible for the retake process, the student should have been previously evaluated in a set of activities equaling at least two thirds of the final score of the course or module. Thus, the student will be graded as \"No Avaluable\" if the weighthin of all conducted evaluation activities is less than 67% of the final score
2. Evaluation of the assigned homework and presentation of activities related to the subject. The grade obtained in this part represents 20% of the final grade of the course, attendance to all the seminar sessions being mandatory.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is not allowed in this course. Any work that includes AI-generated content will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and may result in a partial or total penalty in the activity's grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.
Single Assessment
The single assessment consists of a single synthesis test in which the contents of the entire theory and exercices program of the subject will be assessed. The test will consist of questions of the same type as the continuous assessment. It is necessary to obtain a grade ≥5 in the synthesis test to pass the subject. The grade obtained in this synthesis test will account for 80% of the final grade of the subject.
Attendance at all the seminar sessions is mandatory. The evaluation of this part will follow the same process as the continuous evaluation. The grade obtained in this part represents 20% of the final grade of the subject.
The single evaluation test will take place at the same time that the last midterm test of the continuous evaluation (date and time set in the academic calendar). The same recovery system and the same criterion for \"No avaluable\" will also be applied.
Academic Integrity and Assessment
Any irregularity committed in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or improper use of AI, unless such use is expressly authorized in the study guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the grade will result in that assessment activity being graded with a 0. If the study guide establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment activity is an essential requirement for passing the course, or if multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in any of these irregularities
Bibliography
1) Pierce, B.A. 2016. Genética. Un enfoque conceptual. (5thedition). Ed. Médica Panamericana. Online UAB library access: https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991007007729706709
2) Pierce, B.A. 2020. Genetics: A conceptual approach (7th edition). Ed. Macmillan Learning. Online UAB library access : https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991010703420506709
3) Watson, J.D.; Baker, T.A.; Bell, S. P.; Gann, A.; Levine, M.; Losick, R. 2016. Biología Molecular del Gen. (7th edition). Editorial Médica Panamericana. Online UAB library access (https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991006798139706709).
4) Krebs, J.E.; Goldstein, E. S.; Kilpatrick, S.T. 2018. Lewin's Genes XII (12th edition). Jones and Bartllet Publishers.
5) Brown, T.A. 2023. Genomes 5. (5th ed.). CRC Press. Online UAB library access (https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1fbc57r/alma991010871761406709).
Web links:
-Campus virtual interactiu https://cv2008.uab.cat/
Software
Specific softwares are not needed
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 62 | Spanish | first semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 621 | Catalan/Spanish | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (SEM) Seminars | 622 | Catalan/Spanish | first semester | morning-mixed |