Main Field of Study and progress level:
Molecular Biology: First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass with merit, Pass, Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Molecular Biology
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2025-06-04
Contents
The course is divided into two modules:
Module 1, Theory The course covers the biology of various animal and plant organisms, with a focus on multicellular animals and vascular plants. The course includes an overview of anatomy, as well as an analysis of different organ systems and their functions. The course places special emphasis on model systems that have or may have significance in biotechnology and discusses technical innovation ideas based on biological knowledge.
Module 2, Mandatory Elements In the practical components, the student becomes familiar with the anatomy and physiology of humans, selected laboratory animals, and plants. The mandatory components include laboratory work, group projects, and presentations, which are carried out individually or in groups.
Expected learning outcomes
Expected Learning Outcomes After completing the course, students should be able to, with respect to: Knowledge and Understanding: * Explain the characteristics that distinguish different animal groups, both invertebrates and vertebrates * Describe the various organ systems of vertebrates * Describe the functions of the different organ systems in vertebrates * Describe the anatomy, metabolism, and physiology of vascular plants * Demonstrate knowledge of various animal and plant model systems of particular importance in biotechnology
Skills and Abilities: * Apply their knowledge of different organ systems to create and discuss technical innovation ideas * Demonstrate proficiency in basic molecular biological and physiological working methods * Be able to search for, read, present, and discuss scientific literature
Form of instruction
The course consists of lectures, laboratory work, and group projects. Teaching sessions other than lectures include examinable components and are mandatory. The instruction can be conducted in Swedish or English.
Examination modes
Module 1: The theory module concludes with an individual written exam, graded as Pass with Distinction (5), Pass with Merit (4), Pass (3), or Fail (U).
Module 2: Laboratory work, group projects and presentations are graded as Pass (G) or Fail (U). Laboratory work is assessed orally during the lab sessions and through written assignments. Group projects are assessed through group oral presentations and peer feedback. In case of absence from mandatory teaching sessions, the examiner decides on a substitute assignment or if the student should retake the component at a later date. To pass the entire course, all work must be presented according to the prescribed guidelines. Active participation in presentations, peer feedback, and discussions is also required. Active participation means that the student contributes with their own input, reflections, and questions, and attempts to answer questions posed to them or the group.
The course leader may decide that active participation in non-mandatory presentations, exercises, written assignments, cases, or discussion forums will award bonus points to be added to the exam result, not exceeding 10% of the total exam points for a single component. The course leader must inform at the start of the course which components award bonus points and what is required to earn them. These bonus points are valid for the regular exam session and the first retake session.
Grades for the course are decided only when all exams and mandatory components have been assessed. The grades for the entire course are Pass with Distinction (5), Pass with Merit (4), Pass (3), or Fail (U). To achieve a grade of Pass with Distinction (5) for the entire course, all mandatory components must be passed, and the grade on the written final exam must be Pass with Distinction (5). For a grade of Pass with Merit (4), all mandatory components must be passed, and the grade on the written final exam must be Pass with Merit (4). For a grade of Pass (3), all mandatory components must be passed, and the grade on the written final exam must be Pass (3).
For students who did not pass the regular exam session, a retake session is arranged in accordance with Umeå University's Rules for Grades and Examination at the Undergraduate and Advanced Level (FS 1.1-574-22). The first retake is offered no later than two months after the regular exam session, except for exams held in May or June, where the first retake is offered within three months. Additionally, at least one more retake is offered within one year from the regular exam session. If the result is still a fail, the student is referred to the next time the course/component is offered.
A student who has failed two exams for a course or part of a course has the right to request a different examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (HF 6 kap. 22 §). Requests for a new examiner are addressed to the Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology.
The examiner may decide on deviations from the course plan's examination form. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the course plan's expected learning outcomes. A student who needs an adapted examination must request it from the responsible department no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adapted examination and informs the student.
Credit Transfer Students have the right to have previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in professional activities assessed for credit towards equivalent education at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer are submitted to the Student Centre. More information about credit transfer can be found on Umeå University's student web and in the Higher Education Ordinance (6 kap).
Other Regulations In the event that a course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including the regular exam session) according to the regulations in the course plan that the student was originally registered for, for a maximum of two years from the time the previous course plan ceased to apply or the course stopped being offered.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
