Prokaryotic Cell Biology, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course the student shall have basic knowledge of

• prokaryotic cell structures, function and diversity
• prokeryotic genetics
• prokaryotic cell metabolism and growth
• principles of infectious disease and epidemiology, and
• basic methods used in microbiology.

Proficiency and ability
After having completed the course the student shall be able to

• demonstrate proficiency in working with microorganisms, and
• evaluate and document laboratory results in writing.

Values and attitude
After having completed the course the student has

• a basic understanding of biology as an experimental science.

Main content of the course

The course deals with the basics of prokaryotic structure, function, metabolism and physiology. Included is an overview of the Bacteria and Archaea diversity and nomenclature. An introdution prokaryotic genetics and processes such as prokaryotic replication, transcription and translation. General medical microbiology and epidemiology will be discussed. The course will also include the basics of safe laboratory work with bacteria.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, seminars, group discussions, seminars and laboratory experiments.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written exam

Laboratory Experiments and Seminars, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Participation in group discussion, laboratory experiments and seminars. Group assignments, oral presentations and laboratory reports.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Laboratory Experiments and Seminars
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a pass grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the project work and all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements and also Biology 2, Chemistry 2, Mathematics 3b / 3c and Physics 1a/1b1 + 1b2 (cources labelled A12)

or

General entry requirements and also Biology B, Chemistry B, Mathematics C and Physics A (cources labelled 12)

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Language of instruction: Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Tortora, Gerard J., Funke, Berdell R. & Case, Christine L. (Latest Edition)
Microbiology: An Introduction
San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 960 pages