Methods of Molecular Microbiology
Code: 42933 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4313775 Applied Microbiology | OB | 0 | 1 |
Contact
- Name:
- Jesús Aranda Rodriguez
- Email:
- jesus.aranda@uab.cat
Use of Languages
- Principal working language:
- spanish (spa)
Other comments on languages
Teaching will not be entirely in Catalan or Spanish, although the Spanish will be used mainlyTeachers
- Maria Pilar Cortes Garmendia
- Susana Campoy Sanchez
- Jesús Aranda Rodriguez
Prerequisites
It is recommended previous knowledge on Molecular Microbiology and Genetic Engineering of Microorganisms.
Objectives and Contextualisation
In this methodological module will be deepened in the knowledge of modern molecular Microbiology techniques, in order that the students acquire advanced knowledge that allows them to elaborate experimental procedures to study current topics of applied Microbiology.
Competences
- Communicate and justify conclusions clearly and unambiguously to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously.
- Design and apply scientific methodology in problem solving.
- Develop critical reasoning within the subject area and in relation to the scientific or business context.
- Display knowledge of the most up-to-date methodology used in environmental, molecular, industrial and clinical microbiology.
- Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
- Use and manage bibliographic information and computer resources related to microbiology and related sciences.
- Use scientific terminology to account for research results and present these orally and in writing.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the most appropriate molecular methodologies for studying and resolving problems related to microbiological issues in health, environment and industry.
- Communicate and justify conclusions clearly and unambiguously to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously.
- Design and apply scientific methodology in problem solving.
- Develop critical reasoning within the subject area and in relation to the scientific or business context.
- Know and understand the bases for current techniques in molecular microbiology that are used in the various areas of applied microbiology.
- Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
- Use and manage bibliographic information and computer resources related to microbiology and related sciences.
- Use scientific terminology to account for research results and present these orally and in writing.
Content
The course will have the following contents:
- Current methods for the genetic modification of microorganisms.
- Molecular tools based on DNA for the classification of microorganisms and epidemiological studies.
- Application of the different omics (genomics, transcriptomics, etc.) to the resolution of microbiological problems.
- Use of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics techniques in the characterization of complex microbial samples and their possible applications.
- Elaboration of experimental protocols for the study of topics of current interest in the field of applied Microbiology.
Methodology
This module will be taught following the problem-based learning method (PBL). The class group will be divided into small groups that will work independently to solve the proposed project.
In the first classroom session, the teaching staff will present the module, its general characteristics and the working guidelines as well as the distribution of sessions. During the development of the work sessions, teachers will provide the necessary material and tools to guide students, and simultaneously stimulate discussion and critical knowledge among the working group members.
If it is considered necessary for the resolution of some aspect of the project, the teaching staff may give some participatory master classes to expand or deepen certain knowledge.
The members of the working groups must identify and assume the responsibilities and tasks necessary to solve the problem. They must also work individually to investigate, select and manage the information obtained to participate in the discussions with the rest of the group members in order to re-elaborate and expand their knowledge.
Finally, each group will discuss and discuss with the rest of the class the problem solving and its possible application in a more global context.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Activities
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Classroom tutorship | 2 | 0.08 | 1, 5, 4, 9 |
| Project-based learning | 30 | 1.2 | 1, 6, 5, 4, 7, 2, 3, 8, 9 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Experimental design of the proposed project | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 6, 4, 7, 3 |
| Preparation of oral presentation and defense of the work done | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 6, 5, 2, 9 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Information search and management | 30 | 1.2 | 5, 8 |
| Integrate information and formulate hypotheses | 10 | 0.4 | 1, 6, 5, 4, 7, 3, 8 |
| Preparation of work plans and oral presentations | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 6, 5, 4, 7 |
| Reading recommended texts | 12.5 | 0.5 | 6, 8 |
Assessment
To pass the module is mandatory the attendance to the classroom sessions indicated by the teachers.
The evaluation will be made according to the following distribution:
1. Individual written exam: it will consist of a specific written test where the skills worked during the development of the project will be assessed. The weight of this part represents 40% of the final grade.
2. Delivery of report (s) and/or oral presentation (s): The number and specific weight of each delivery and/or oral presentation will be indicated in the presentation session of the project, in which the teachers will also establish the guidelines of each one. The weight of this part represents 50% of the final grade.
3. Participation and involvementof the student in the resolution of the project: the weight of this part represents 10% of the final grade.
The final grade of the module will be the weighted average of each of the evaluation typologies indicated. Likewise, to pass the module it is needed to obtain a score equal to or greater than 5points over the 10 points in the individual written exam. Otherwise, the student must perform and pass a second chance evaluation on the scheduled date.
To pass the module the final grade must be equal to or greater than 5.
Students that pass the exam but would like to improve the written exam score, they can perform a qualification improvement test that will be done the same day of the second chance evaluation, renouncing the previously obtained grade in this section. Students wishing to take the test must contact by mail with teaching staff at least 72 hours before the scheduled day.
To be eligible for the retake process, the student should have been previously evaluated in a set of activities equaling at least two-thirds of the final score of the course or module. Thus, the student will be graded as "No Avaluable" if the weight in of all conducted evaluation activities is less than 67% of the final score.
Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery of reports and/or oral presentation/s | 50% | 1.5 | 0.06 | 1, 6, 4, 7, 2, 8, 9 |
| Individual written exam | 40% | 3 | 0.12 | 1, 6, 5, 4, 7, 2, 9 |
| Participation | 10% | 1 | 0.04 | 5, 3 |
Bibliography
Students can access the following open access texts as a reference bibliography of basic concepts:
Larry Snyder, Joseph E. Peters, Tina M. Henkin, Wendy Champness. Molecular Genetics of Bacteria (4th Edition). ASM press (ISBN:978-1-55581-627-8).
Versió digital disponible en el repositori de les biblioteques de la UAB:
Jeremy W. Dale i Simon F. Park. Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, (5th Edition) Wiley- Blackwell (ISBN: 978-0-470-74184-9).
It will be the student's responsibility to search and consult the bibliography necessary for the resolution of problems. For this task, they will be advised by the faculty of the module.
Other recommended texts as well as links of interest will be available to the student in the Moodle classroom of the subject.
Software
The usual Microsoft environment programs will be used. It is possible to use some more specific free access software that the student will look for according to his needs to solve problems.