Course: Basic Methods of Molecular Biology

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Course title Basic Methods of Molecular Biology
Course code KMB/608
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course In each academic year, in the winter semester.
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 8
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory, Compulsory-optional, Optional
Form of instruction unspecified
Work placements unspecified
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Kunzová Michaela, Mgr.
  • Krejčová Gabriela, Mgr.
  • Bajgar Adam, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Husová Michaela, Mgr.
Course content
Course content The lectures cover the following topics in more detail: 1) Chemical properties of macromolecules, macromolecular interactions. 2) Isolation of nucleic acids and their quality assessment 3) PCR modifications and applications 4) Sequencing, next generation sequencing 5) Detection of DNA variability 6) RNA variability detection and quantification 7) Basic genetic engineering methods 8) Protein detection and quantification 9) Detection of interactions between molecules 10) MOdel organisms in molecular biology research 11) Biological research methodology, biological question, hypothesis, experiment. Practicals: block weekly practical exercises are also an integral part of the course in which each student will learn the following methods: gDNA isolation, RNA isolation, reverse transcription, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sample quality measurement on nano-drop, ligation - TA cloning, E. coli transformation, minipreps, plasmid isolation, restriction digestion, colorimetric determination of glucose, colorimetric determination of proteins. During the block exercises, a panel discussion is held during which individual student projects (bachelor and master theses) are presented and then critically evaluated by the students themselves under the supervision of the course supervisor and practicing scientists.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Work with text (with textbook, with book), Demonstration, Projection, Laboratory, Activating (simulations, games, drama), Experiment
  • Preparation for credit - 35 hours per semester
  • Preparation for classes - 60 hours per semester
  • Class attendance - 120 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Objective of the course is to introduce basic molecular biology techniques to students without regarding their orientation either to experimental or so called "green" biology. The molecular techniques which are commonly used by all biology fields will be presented. The course is suitable for students who passed Basic Cell Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry. It is recommended also to students who are already working in molecular biology labs but their knowledge is limited to the small number of techniques used in that particular lab.
The student taking this course will be able to understand in principle most of the methods commonly used in molecular biology laboratories. The course is divided into methods related to DNA, RNA, and proteins. Emphasis is also placed on improving the experimental design, basic methodological thinking, and the competencies necessary to plan experiments, execute them (selecting appropriate methodological approaches), and critically evaluate them. The graduate should be able to navigate through a wide range of methods and approaches and know where to find more detailed procedures. At the same time, they should take away from the course knowing that is applicable outside academia. Last but not least, the student should understand the procedures used to solve possible technical problems accompanying each technique. The course also includes practical experience in the laboratory, during which students will become intimately familiar with routinely used techniques for the analysis of RNA and DNA molecules. During the hands-on portion of the course, we also discuss their undergraduate and graduate projects in a panel discussion and attempt to critically evaluate them in terms of methodological approaches.
Prerequisites
The participant of this course should have a basic understanding of the principles of cell biology before starting the course. Understanding of the process of transcription and translation. Knowledge of the structure of DNA, RNA and proteins. Understanding of the genetic code. It is also necessary for the student to have a basic understanding of the nature and biochemical nature of basic macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination, Written examination, Interview

Students must score 75% on the credit paper to be admitted to the oral examination. In the oral examination, students must demonstrate the ability to navigate a broader range of methods that relate to their project, which they are addressing as part of their undergraduate or graduate thesis. They must also demonstrate the ability to think methodologically and critically when studying other projects and publications. In the oral examination, students must explain in principle the various methods and techniques, understand their potential use in experimental research as well as their limitations and weaknesses that may affect the interpretation of the results.
Recommended literature
  • ONLINE ZDROJE.
  • ŠMARDA, DOŠKAŘ, PANTUČEK, RUŽIČKOVÁ, KOPTÍKOVÁ, Jana. Metody molekulární biologie. Vyd. 1. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2005.
  • Alberts a kol.. Základy buněčné biologie. 2008.
  • Ochrana František. Methodology of science : an introduction. 2012.


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