Molecular Genetics

Objectives

Objectives of the Molecular Genetics course:

• Introduce students to the basic aspects of molecular genetics and genomics, paying special attention to applications in the human and biomedicine areas.

The main objectives:

• Understand the basic structure of the genome, how it is organised and regulated and the detailed structure of DNA and RNA.
• Understand the importance of molecular genetics in the field of biomedicine.
• Recognise the close connection between molecular genetics and human health.
• Know the latest advances and discoveries in knowledge and application of molecular genetics concerning biomedicine.
• Understand and identify genome alterations such as mutations, recombinations and gene rearrangement.
• Understand the implication of epigenetics in classical genetics.

Learning outcomes

• RA1. Demonstrate comprehension of basic genetics and nucleic acid biology.
• RA2. Globally evaluate the learning process following the plans and objectives set out and establish criteria for self-improvement.
• RA3. Demonstrate comprehension of spoken and written messages of different types expressed in the language of instruction and in English.
• RA4. Use gender respectful language in all spoken, written or audio-visual content.
• RA5. Show initiative in complex situations or those which require development of new solutions.
• RA6. Collect and analyse data and information to support conclusions which include reflections on social, ethical and scientific topics in the field of biomedicine.
• RA7. Demonstrate and apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge learned in the field of biomedicine.
• RA8. Resolve problems in complex professional situations and specialised practice using innovative and creative ideas.

Competencies

General skills

• Formulate hypotheses following the scientific method, with an ability to summarise and analyse information in a critical way in order to be able to solve problems.

Specific skills

• Describe the relationship between the biology of the nucleus and the metabolism of the main cell types.
• Recognise the organisation, structure and function of cells and their components in different tissues.

Basic skills

• Students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competencies typically demonstrated through drafting and defending arguments and solving problems in their field of study.
• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.
• Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific and ethical issues.

Core skills

• Communicate orally, in writing and audiovisually, in one's own language and in foreign languages, with proficiency in form, content and use.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigour and quality.

Content

1. Introduction to genomes
   • Composition
   • Organisation
2. Nucleic acids as a life molecule
3. DNA-RNA
   • Processing
   • Replication
   • Transcription
4. Bases in genome elements
   • Functional (genes, regulatory elements)
   • Non-Functional
5. Gene expression
   • Mechanisms
   • Regulation
6. Genome reorganisation
   • Recombination
   • Interactions (binding)
7. Genome alterations
   • Mutations
   • Polymorphisms
8. Epigenetics
   • Mechanisms
   • Imprinting
9. Introduction to genome analysis (COIL project)
   • Genomic analysis
   • Genomic therapies

Evaluation

To pass the course a minimum overall mark of 5.0 is required.

• Participation: 5%
• Follow-up activities: 30% (no resit, individual assessment)
• Specific evaluation: 45% (in each part a 4 or higher is required to calculate the average; the average among two exams must be 5 or higher; each part can be resat)
  • 1st part (E1): 22.5%
  • 2nd part (E2): 22.5%
• Presentation of work: 20% (in pairs, no resit).

Resits

• Resit exam: if you fail the subject, up to a maximum of 50% of the final grade may be retaken in the resit exam.

General assessment criteria of Faculty

• During examinations, the possession of cell phones or alike (smartphones, tablets, etc.) is graded zero.
• The absence, or non-delivery of an assignment within the established deadlines, is graded zero. This zero qualification is taken into account when calculating the final marks of the subject.
• The final mark for the subject is obtained from the respective percentages and averages of the different assignments.

Methodology

Mainly theory classes, discussion sessions (seminars), and workshops.

The theoretical contents will be based on applied examples.

Some activities will be developed using teamwork.

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).

Bibliography

Key references

• Alberts, Brice (2015). Molecular biology of the cell (6 ed.). New York : Garland Science, cop. 2015.
• Berg, J. M., Tymoczko, J. L., Gatto, G. J., & Stryer, L. (2019). Biochemistry (9 ed.). WH Freeman.
• Krebs, J. E., Goldstein, E. S., & Kilpatrick, S. T. (2017). Lewin's Genes (12 ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Lodish, H. (2021). Molecular Cell Biology (9 ed.). Macmillan Learning.
• Tubbs, Raymond R., Stoler, Mark H. (2009). Cell and tissue based molecular pathology. Retrieved from https://www-sciencedirect-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/book/9780443069017/cell-and-tissue-based-molecular-pathology

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.