Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course the students:

  • will be able to perform basic microbiology and biochemistry laboratory experiments
  • can apply methods used in molecular biology laboratories
  • can identify and use the appropriate means for isolation, separation, purification and identification of (small) organic molecules
  • will be able to plan and conduct basic experimental work by themselves

Credits: 5

Schedule: 28.09.2020 - 04.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Alexander Frey

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Alexander Frey

Contact information for the course (valid 08.09.2020-21.12.2112):

For general questions regarding the course organization, scheduling, grading contact the responsible teacher.

For questions related to the experiments please contact the responsible person:

Part I: Prof Jan Deska

Part II & III: Lecturer Heli Viskari or Prof. Alexander Frey



CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This course provides the theoretical background and basic practical skills required for working in organic chemistry and bioscience lab. The course includes for example:

    • use of aseptic technique in the laboratory, culturing pro- and eukaryotic cells
    • working with DNA (PCR, molecular cloning, expression)
    • working with proteins (protein purification, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Immunoblotting)
    • use of computational tools for analyzing of DNA molecules and in silico cloning
    • synthesis of organic compounds and their isolation/purification based on chromatography and recrystallization techniques
    • spectroscopic and chromatographic characterization of compounds and evaluation of their purities

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Assessment is based on active participation and completion of the experimental work, reporting of results and assignments.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    • active participation and completion of the experimental work (30%)
    1. Prepare yourself for the experiments by reading the manual before the course
    2. if something is unclear have specific questions ready
    3. Be prepared to discuss the work in the lectures
    4. missed laboratory days need to be compensated with written essays

    • reporting of results (written reports and learning diary (50%)).

    • assignments (20%)

    Instructions for writing abstracts, report and learning diaries will be provided on the course homepage.


Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    • Total 135 h = 5 cr
    • Lectures and seminars 18h
    • Laboratory work 70h
    • Reporting and assignments 47h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Materials distributed during the course

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The course manuals and additional lecture materials will be shared on MyCourses. A hard-copy of laboratory manuals will be distributed.

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Laboratory safety course CHEM-A1010 or CHEM-E0140 (or alternatively, laboratory safety as part of courses CHEM-A1000 or CHEM-E0100 taught before Academic Year 2017-2018) must have been passed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Please note. Not all times reserved for experimental work and shown in Weboodi will be used. Reserve times, and additional times for enabling work in smaller groups due to the Covid-19 situation have been included in the official schedule. A final schedule will be published before the start of each course part.