Microbial Genetics, 7.5 credits

Contents

This advanced course provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary genetic methodologies applied to unicellular organisms, including bacteria and yeast. Building on foundational principles, it introduces modern strategies for studying and manipulating genomes at multiple levels of complexity. Students will learn how current technologies enable precise genetic modifications, large-scale functional analyses, and integrative approaches that connect molecular details to cellular and systems-level understanding.

The curriculum combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, preparing students to critically evaluate and design genetic experiments using advanced and emerging tools. Topics include strategies for genome engineering, approaches for analyzing gene function and regulation, and methods for integrating data from diverse molecular layers. The course also addresses how these techniques are applied in research aimed at understanding fundamental biological processes and in developing innovative solutions in biotechnology and related fields.

Through lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the ability to interpret complex genetic data, apply advanced methodologies, and appreciate the role of unicellular systems in addressing globally relevant scientific challenges. This course is ideal for students seeking to deepen their expertise in microbial molecular genetics and position themselves for careers within academia or industry in cutting-edge areas of life sciences.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student must be able to, with regard to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of genetic principles and methodologies applied to unicellular organisms, including bacteria and yeast.
• Explain and compare genetic systems and strategies available in different microbial models.

*Competence and Skills:*

• Design and plan genetic experiments based on modern principles of microbial genetics.
• Perform and interpret experimental work involving genetic tools, data analysis, and data integration.
• Critically assess scientific literature and relate experimental design to research questions.
• Communicate complex genetic concepts and research findings clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

*Judgement and Approach:*

• Evaluate and interpret complex genetic data with a critical and reflective perspective.
• Assess the strengths, limitations, and applicability of genetic methodologies in addressing biological and biotechnological challenges.
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical and societal considerations and global relevance in genetic research.
• Demonstrate awareness of the role of microbial genetics and biotechnology in addressing sustainability challenges and contributing to sustainable development.

Required Knowledge

180 credits from completed courses, including at least 60 credits in biology (covering genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and microbiology), of which at least 7.5 credits must be in genetics; 20 credits in chemistry, of which at least 10 credits must be in biochemistry; documented proficiency in experimental work corresponding to at least 30 credits.

Form of instruction

The course is taught in English. It consists of lectures, problem-solving exercises, student presentations, scientific discussions, and laboratory exercises. Particular emphasis is placed on active learning, encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning through inquiry, collaboration, and critical reflection.

All activities except lectures are mandatory.

Examination modes

Module 1 is assessed through an individual written examination. The written examination is graded as Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). Modules 2 and 3 are graded as Fail (U) or Pass (G). To obtain a passing grade for Modules 2 and 3, active participation in all compulsory activities (problem-solving exercises, presentations, discussions, and laboratory exercises) is required. These activities are assessed individually as Fail (U) or Pass (G). The laboratory exercises conclude with a written laboratory report, which is also assessed as Fail (U) or Pass (G). Students are required to submit written assignments in the prescribed format and actively participate in presentations and discussions. Active participation entails contributing reflections, asking questions, and attempting to answer questions directed to the individual or the group.

A final course grade is awarded only after all assessed components have been completed and evaluated. To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, all examinations must be assessed with at least the grade Pass (G). To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG), all assessments in Modules 2 and 3 must be graded Pass (G), and the written examination in Module 1 must be graded Pass with Distinction (VG). If any examination is graded Fail (U), the final course grade will be Fail (U), provided that the student has completed all examinations within the module.

It is the responsibility of the course coordinator to inform at the start of the course which activities are mandatory. In case of absence from a mandatory teaching session, the examiner will decide whether the student should complete a replacement assignment or retake the session at a later date.

The course coordinator may decide that active participation in non-mandatory tasks will award bonus points to be added to the exam score of the written exam, not exceeding 10% of the total exam points. It is the responsibility of the course coordinator to inform students at the start of the course which activities offer bonus points and the criteria for earning them.

For students who have not been approved at the regular exam, a new exam will be arranged in accordance with Umeå University's Rules for grades and examinations at undergraduate and advanced level (FS 1.1-574-22). The first re-exam is offered no later than two months after the regular exam. In the cases where the regular exam takes place in May or June, a first re-examination is offered instead within three months of the regular exam. In addition, at least one further re-examination is offered within one year from the regular exam date. If the result is Fail, the student is then referred to the exam the next time the course is given.

A student who has failed two examinations for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF ch. 6 § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology.

For students who have a decision on recommended support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on deviations from the examination format specified in the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the examination format shall be considered based on the student’s needs and the intended learning outcomes of the course. For more information, see the Procedures for support to students with disabilities and the Regulations for grading and examination.

Other regulations

The student has the right to be tested if previous education or corresponding knowledge and skills acquired in professional activities can be credited for the corresponding education at Umeå University. The application for credit is sent to the Studentcentrum. More information about credit transfer can be found on Umeå University's student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (ch. 6).

The course cannot be included in a degree together with the course Molecular Genetics.

Transitional provisions

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.