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Program Overview

The MSc Programme in Biochemistry offers a course titled Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology, with the course code NBIK20000U. This course is worth 15 ECTS credits and is taught in English.

Course Description

The course deals with molecular aspects of microbial physiology and genetics, covering topics such as metabolism, enzymes, regulation, replication, genomics, evolution, and technical aspects. All microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and unicellular eukaryotes, may be included, with a focus on research subjects of medical, industrial, and environmental importance.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the course, students will have obtained knowledge of specific research areas, including different experimental and theoretical approaches. They will be able to explain, evaluate, and critically analyze the results, methods used, and conclusions drawn from original research literature, and compare these with other relevant literature. Students will also be able to present and explain the background literature for peers.

Course Structure

The course consists of student colloquia and discussions based on the reading of original research articles and data. Individual assignments include the preparation of referee reports of research manuscripts and review in groups of referee reports prepared by fellow students.

Workload

The workload for the course is as follows:

• Class Instruction: 48 hours
• Preparation: 348 hours
• Study Groups: 12 hours
• Exam: 4 hours
• Total: 412 hours

Assessment

The course is assessed through a written examination, which takes the form of a referee report of a research paper (manuscript) not known to the students beforehand. To be allowed to take the final exam, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. The student has satisfactorily presented at least two seminars to fellow students during the course.
2. Has participated actively with relevant questions/comments in at least 80% of the sessions.
3. Has individually prepared 3 referee reports and participated in peer reviewing of referee reports.

Exam Registration Requirements

The exam registration requirements include:

• The student has satisfactorily presented at least two seminars to fellow students during the course.
• Has participated actively with relevant questions/comments in at least 80% of the sessions.
• Has individually prepared 3 referee reports and participated in peer reviewing of referee reports.

Aid

Only certain aids are allowed during the exam, including a PC (offline) provided by the University.

Marking Scale

The course uses a 7-point grading scale.

Censorship Form

The course does not have external censorship, and several internal examiners are used.

Re-exam

The re-exam is the same as the ordinary exam. If the student has not fulfilled the requirements for presentation of at least two seminars, the student can present a seminar of 45 minutes in a subject decided by the teacher. If the student has not fulfilled the requirements for active participation in at least 80% of the sessions or has not prepared the required number of referee reports and peer reviews, the student must take the course again next year.

Criteria for Exam Assessment

The criteria for exam assessment include:

1. See 'Learning Outcome'
2. Active participation. See 'Type of assessment'.

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course code: NBIK20000U
• Credit: 15 ECTS
• Level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 2 blocks (16 weeks)
• Placement: Block 1 and Block 2
• Schedule: C (Block 1 - schedule C, Block 2 - schedule A)
• Course capacity: 25
• Study board: Study Board for the Biological Area
• Contracting department: Department of Biology
• Contracting faculty: Faculty of Science
• Course Coordinators: Niels-Ulrik Frigaard

Recommended Academic Qualifications

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree are recommended.