FARB1300 Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology Course description

This course covers selected topics from biochemistry, cell biology and microbiology. Biochemistry focuses on the structural and functional aspects of biological molecules such as proteins (including enzymes), carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, along with fundamental biochemical processes and energy transfer in human cells.

Cell biology deals with the structure/organisation of human cells and the sequence of events in the cell cycle. Other key topics include transport over the plasma membrane, signal transduction/communication between cells and the flow of information from DNA for protein synthesis.

Microbiology provides an introduction to the main groups of microorganisms (eubacteria, fungi) and viruses, and emphasises sub-groups that are particularly relevant to pharmacy and medicine. Other key topics are the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and the processes behind the development of antibiotic resistance, and identification and classification of microbes.

The laboratory course provides an introduction to basic techniques used in molecular biology and microbiology. Students will also perform simple diagnostic tests in this practical part of the course.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can describe the structure, nomenclature and reactions of selected biological molecules
• can describe the structure of human cells
• can explain the function of enzymes as biological catalysts and energy transfer in human cells
• can outline the main features of transport processes, signal transduction and the regulation of cell division in human cells
• can outline the main features of the flow of information from DNA to proteins in human cells
• can explain the structural features and qualities that characterise eubacteria, fungi and viruses and their significance in pharmaceutics and human medicine
• can describe relevant methods used to identify and classify microbes
• can explain the structure and mechanisms of action of selected classes of antibiotics and explain how antibiotic resistance arises

Skills

The student

• can use selected methods to determine and measure macromolecules in biological matter under supervision
• can conduct basic gene technology analyses under supervision
• can carry out selected methods for isolation, cultivation, identification and resistance testing of nonfastidious microbes under supervision
• can present experimental data from selected biological experiments and tests
• can plan and carry out a laboratory-related project assignment within the topics covered in the course and present the results both in writing and orally

General competence

The student

• can relate cell biology, biochemistry and microbiology to pharmaceutical issues
• can communicate their understanding of cell biology, biochemistry and microbiology

Work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars and practical laboratory work. The flipped classroom method is used for parts of the course. Digital learning resources are made available to the students in advance, and the time they spend at the university is used to work on assignments and group work

The students will work in groups in the laboratory. The groups will plan and write a report, using a scientific article format, about a laboratory experiment they have selected themselves. The report is included in the syllabus for the course and will also be presented orally. Lecturers and fellow students will provide feedback.

Teaching and follow-up at seminars and in the laboratory will take place in English.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Minimum of 80% attendance at laboratory courses
• Oral group presentation of a topic from the lecture series

Supervised individual written exam, 6 hours.

The exam paper will be in English, but students may choose to write their answers in either English or Norwegian.

No aids permitted

Grade scale A-F

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

• 15 credits overlap with the course FARMA1310 Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology