URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AB_1135

Course Objective

By the end of the course, the student will:
• Be familiar with the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, with a particular focus on the composition and structure of the human genome, how it is replicated and inherited.
• Know how the information stored in chromosomes is retrieved and used during the process of gene expression and how genes are regulated at the molecular level to perform their function.
• Understand how genetic variation in the human population is generated; particularly, how gene mutations arise, what the consequences are and how they can explain the various types of inheritance patterns as well as diseases.

Course Content

Molecular Genetics:
• the differences between a prokaryotic and an eukaryotic genome
• the composition and molecular structure of the human genome
• how genes look like and apply this knowledge in explaining genetic abnormalities
• abnormalities in chromosome structure and number, and explain the consequences
• the process of RNA transcription, processing and translation
• the impact of gene expression on cell differentiation and embryonic development Related Learning Objectives: 1
- Can describe the structure, properties and functions of chromosomes, DNA and RNA, and of genes and parts thereof, and explain the consequences of changes therein 2
- Can classify and describe the different forms of DNA transfer in prokaryotes, and explain their consequences. 3
- Can describe and explain gene expression (translation and transcription) in eu
- and prokaryotes on a molecular level, how these processes are regulated and why. DNA replication, mutations and diseases:
• mitosis and meiosis
• the different stages of the cell cycle
• the process of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• how environmental factors and certain chemical compounds can damage DNA and cause mutations
• the origin of mutations and describe DNA repair mechanisms
• the different mutations at DNA and protein level and explain the consequences for the functioning of genes and proteins Related Learning Objectives: 1
- Can indicate and explain the different stages of the cell cycle of mitosis and meiosis, and interpret the cause and effect of genetic variation. 2
- Can explain the different forms and causes of genetic mutations and interpret their consequences in relation to diseases, including cancer. Inheritance patterns:
• Mendelian and inheritance patterns
• Non-Mendelian inheritance patterns
• Calculate and predict the likelihood of inheriting a particular genetic trait for Mendelian and non-Mendelian modes of inheritance Related Learning Objectives: 1
- Can name the different patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance and recognize and explain inheritance patterns Experimental approaches:
• Theory and practice of experimental approaches that are used to study genomes and genes as well as gene expression and the encoded proteins (including: PCR, cloning, DNA sequence analysis)
• Discussion about the importance and use of model systems such as Yeast, Drosophila and Mouse, to study genetics and the functions of genes
• Use of basic mathematical and statistical principles to perform experiments and analyze the results. Related Learning Objectives: Become familiar with basic lab skills, (molecular) genetic techniques, and can use bioinformatic databases The following learning pathways are incorporated into this course: Academic skills Bioinformatic skills

Teaching Methods


• Lectures (36 hours)
• Work groups and assignments (8 hours)
- make assignments and discuss them
• Computer practicals and assignments (8 hours)
- introduction into bioinformatics and the use of online databases, containing genetic and molecular information about human genes, proteins, mutations, and diseases
• Laboratory practicals (12 hours)
- become familiar with basic lab skills and molecular genetic experiments
• Book assignments (12 hours)
• Self-study (92 hours)
• Support via Canvas and the website associated with the book (Connect)

Method of Assessment

Computer-based multiple choice Exam (80% of the final mark) consisting of two partial exams:
• Partial exam 1 (45%) in the fourth week
• Partial exam 2 (55%) in the last week Each exams consists of about 80 multiple choice questions. The grade for the theoretical part of the course is the weighted average of the 2 partial exam grades. Re-examination of a partial exam is not allowed. In case of a re-exam (resit around mid-January), the re-exam covers all topics of the course. Computer and Book assignments (20% of the final mark):
• Computer assignments should be submitted online via Canvas
• Book assignments should be submitted on the Connect website (book website) Computer and book assignments must be sufficient (at least 5.5 or higher). Workgroup assignments and Laboratory practicals reports (pass/fail):
• Workgroup assignments and Laboratory reports should be submitted via Canvas
• Workgroup assignments and Laboratory reports must be sufficient to complete the course
• Workgroup assignments and Laboratory reports submitted after the deadlines will receive a fail mark and can be re-done only during the next academic year Notes:
• Compensation between the exam (theory; weighted average of the partial exams), assignments and lab practicals is not allowed.
• All grades need to be sufficient to pass the course.

Literature


• Mandatory Book: 'Genetics, Analysis and Principles', by Robert J. Brooker, 7th edition, McGraw-Hill. >> ISBN 9781447089452 Brooker 7e Genetics and Analysis 720 Code and print book >> IMPORTANT: Buy the book from the VU bookstore as it contains the access
- code required to log in to the book’s website and test environment (McGraw
- Smart book & Connect). >> It is also possible to buy the ebook version, available on the McGraw-Hill website (valid for max. 2 years). If you buy a second-hand book, be sure to also buy the access code for the Smartbook and Connect.
• The Manual for the Lab practicals and workgroup assignments plus Lab notebook will be provided in digital form at the beginning of the course via Canvas.
• Other materials, such as assignment answers, etc., are provided via the Canvas site of the course.

Target Audience

Compulsory course for first-year Bachelor Biomedical Sciences students.

Custom Course Registration

You need to register yourself for the course via VUnet, including lectures and (partial) exam(s). The faculty will register you for all remaining teaching methods.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Bachelor