Informatie over Pre-master/Fast-track for MSc BCN - Biology - BMS
Hieronder staan het programma en de vakomschrijvingen van Pre-master/Fast-track for MSc BCN - Biology - BMS Klik op de naam van een vak in een schema om naar de omschrijving te gaan.
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Periode | Type | Code | Naam | Taal | ECTS | Uren | |
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hele jaar | verplicht | WBBY901-05 | Bachelor's Thesis Life Sciences | Engels | 5 | ||
semester I a | verplicht | WBBY002-05 | Bioinformatics | Engels | 5 | ||
verplicht | WBBY004-05 | Genes and Evolution | Engels | 5 | |||
verplicht | WBBY007-05 | Medical Structural Biology | Engels | 5 | |||
verplicht | WBBY008-05 | Molecular Genetics | Engels | 5 | |||
verplicht | WBBY070-05 | Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1 | Engels | 5 | |||
verplicht | WBBY071-05 | Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2 | Engels | 5 | |||
semester II a | verplicht | WBBY072-05 | Cell Migration and Communication | Engels | 5 | ||
verplicht | WBBY038-05 | Evolutionary Ecology | Engels | 5 | |||
semester II b | verplicht | WBBY050-05 | Bio-organic Chemistry | Engels | 5 | ||
verplicht | WBBY053-05 | Enzymology and Thermodynamics | Engels | 5 | |||
Opmerkingen | NOTE |
1 | Bachelor's Thesis Life Sciences | WBBY901-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Bachelor’s thesis comprises a literature search in the research area of the Major that the student is taking. It is written in conjunction with the Bachelor’s project. Students should be able, under the supervision of a lecturer, to: • formulate a research question scientifically • carry out a literature search • present findings and conclusions in a scientific text (length of thesis: 10-15 pp, 4,500-6,500 words) • adopt a reasoned position or view and justify it Learning outcomes. Students should: • be able to delineate and formulate their own research question and justify it on the basis of relevant scientific literature, having practised collecting information rapidly and systematically by consulting persons or written sources • be able to indicate the boundaries of a literature search • be able to document, reorganize and analyse information and relate it to other information • have been trained to gauge the value of information, taking a critical attitude • be able to develop clear argumentation to support a position or view that is supported in a relevant and effective manner by scientific literature • be able to write a clear, critical and logical scientific text of substantial length in clear, appropriate and academic language • be able to reflect critically on their own academic work and adapt their approach if necessary. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2 | Bioinformatics | WBBY002-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This course presents an introduction to bioinformatics, to bioinformatics tools and databases. The databases used in the course are those in which genomes, genes, mRNAs, proteins, protein patterns, gene variants and gene/protein expression are stored. The bioinformatics tools will be used to perform sequence alignments, create phylogenetic trees, predict genes/exons/introns, metagenomics, and to model biological processes on the basis of -omics datasets. Furthermore, databases will be used to study genetic variation and complex diseases. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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3 | Bio-organic Chemistry | WBBY050-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The aim of this course is to gain insight in a number of important reactivity principles in Bio-organic Chemistry. A focal point is the understanding and the application of several reaction types that form the basis of cell metabolism, and to get insight in the structure and reactivity of molecules. Function and reactivity of molecules is discussed in the context of the living cell. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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4 | Cell Migration and Communication | WBBY072-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The aim of this course is to integrate knowledge from previous courses in order to achieve a more thorough molecular understanding of complex biological systems and behaviour. Signal transduction in membranes: Deepen the understanding of the concepts of channels and the electrical properties of membranes. An overview will be provided of the different gating mechanisms of channel proteins, the electrophysiology methods to probe the activity of channel proteins, the structural basis for the ion selectivity of channel proteins and the role of ion channels in the propagation of nerve impulses in neurons. The lectures also provide an overview of the structure and dynamics of biological membranes, and the mechanisms of solute and ion transport in generating electrochemical gradients. Receptors and Signal transduction: How can cells sense their environment and process incoming signals precisely. An overview will be provided of receptor classes and concepts of signal transduction and integration. Major classes of transmembrane and nuclear receptors in eukaryotes and bacteria will be discussed. Molecular concepts of downstream signaling in time and space, signal amplification, signal specificity and signal adaptation will be discussed. Molecular details of smell and vision (eukaryotic systems) as well as sensing of chemical gradients (chemotaxis in bacteria) will be discussed. The cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix: The composition, assembly and dynamics of cytoskeleton,as well as the function and regulation of actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments in cell organization, polarization and migration will be discussed. The main groups of cell-cell adhesion complexes will be discussed with a focus on epithelial cells. An overview of the main families of extracellular matrix will be provided, and their roles in cell behavior and tissue organization will be addressed. The protein complexes that mediate cell adhesion to extracellular matrix will be discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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5 | Enzymology and Thermodynamics | WBBY053-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The course unit consists of the components thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Both parts are based on the basic concepts of physical chemistry, which are then developed within the context of biological systems. Thermodynamics starts by studying the overall picture of internal energy and the first law of thermodynamics, based on forms of energy, work and heat. Chemical reactions and thermodynamic techniques (e.g. the standard state) are introduced by means of enthalpy. The second law of thermodynamics as well as entropy and free energy are studied by looking at processes in biological systems. The reaction kinetics component first considers basic concepts such as reaction speed, rate law, rate constant, rate equation and transition state. The concept of catalysis is then used to define the rate equation of an enzyme-catalysed reaction. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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6 | Evolutionary Ecology | WBBY038-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The aim of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of evolutionary ecology. The course will address the process of adaptation by natural selection from a theoretical and practical aspect. Much attention will be paid to natural patterns, formulation of hypotheses on their evolutionary basis, and the use of techniques to investigate these. The course material will also pay attention to general research techniques, including designing experiments, data analysis, and computer simulations. • Selection theory: levels of selection, genetic conflict, population genetic selection models, quantitative genetics of selection, optimality approach • Life history evolution: reproductive value (fitness currencies), reproductive effort, parental investment, current vs future reproductive success, quantity vs quality of offspring, sex ratio evolution, frequency dependent selection (evolutionarily stable strategies) • Causes and consequences of sex: two-fold cost of sex, explanations for the evolution of sex, sexual selection (Fisherian, good genes, direct benefits), sexual conflict, optimal sex allocation. • The habitat template: niches, optimal foraging and prey choice and interference competition. Learning outcomes knowledge: Understanding the process of adaptation by natural selection. Assess and apply the selection theory. Distinguish levels of selection, understand and apply the optimality approach. Knowledge of a number of natural systems. In that context, foraging, competition, niche, dispersal, migration, patterns in parental investment, causes and consequences of sex, among other topics, will be addressed extensively. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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7 | Genes and Evolution | WBBY004-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The course unit will introduce students to population genetic processes in relation to evolution on the microscale. These principles will be illustrated in computer practicals. Students will also be introduced to neutral and adaptive evolution, as well as molecular and genome evolution. Various advanced phylogenetic principles will be explained and illustrated in computer practicals. The topics covered in this course unit are: – population genetic processes (mutation, genetic drift, migration and selection, random mating, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage, non-random mating, inbreeding) – selection models (linear selection, overdominance, frequency-dependent selection, selection at various levels, complex selection) – effects of population genetic processes on the dynamics of genetic variation – fragmentation, gene flow/migration and genetic differentiation between populations (F-statistics) – molecular and genomic evolution (intron-exon structure, gene duplication, concerted evolution, transposable elements) – phylogenetic analysis (neutral theory, molecular clock, speciation) – molecular techniques (microsatellite analysis, analysis of genetic data and structure, DNA sequencing, QTL analysis) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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8 | Medical Structural Biology | WBBY007-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In this course students will get an overview of techniques used for structural characterization and analysis of protein-drug interactions. This will be preceded with an overview of general principles of structural organization of proteins and nucleic acids, as well as their interactions with ligands. Topics will include structures of soluble and membrane-embedded proteins; RNA and DNA; basic principles of drug-protein interactions; basic information about viruses and vaccine development; biophysical methods to characterize drug-protein complexes (X-ray crystallography, cryo-Electron Microscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and an introduction into drug design. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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9 | Molecular Genetics | WBBY008-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This is a follow-up course of the first-year courses Basic Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics, Ecology and Evolution. It covers the main concepts of molecular genetic mechanisms in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Genome organization and integrity, DNA damage and repair, homologous- and site-specific recombination, gene regulation, plasmid biology, genomics and -omics techniques will be further deepened, while also the genetic organization and life cycle of retroviruses, temperate and virulent bacteriophages will be dealt with. Resistance mechanisms against bacteriophages and the subsequent development of genetic engineering and gene editing technology (CRISPR-Cas) will be exemplified. The importance of molecular genetics in developments in Biotechnology, System- and Synthetic Biology and the impact that molecular genetic techniques have in fundamental research, medicine, agriculture and society at large will be discussed. Overall, the Molecular Genetics course unit will prepare students for (and will provide the necessary background knowledge to understand the topics treated in) the upcoming course unit(s) of the BScs Biology and Life Science & Technology, such as: Bioinformatics (semester Ia), Genes and Behaviour (semester Ib), Evolutionary Processes (semester IIa), Human Genetics and Genomics (semester IIa), Epigenetics and Gene-editing (semester IIa), Evolutionary Medicine (semester IIa), Practical Carrousel (semester IIa), Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics (semester IIb). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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10 | Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 1 | WBBY070-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Systems ecology/ Ecological interactions covers the different scales of processes in ecological systems: System Ecology is focused on the large scale units the biomes, and studies the interaction between organisms and their physical environment in an integrated manner. It introduces the different ecosystems that occur in the oceans and on the continents. The characteristics of these systems are determined by the interaction between the physical and chemical environment and the organisms that have adapted to it. Interactions take place at different scales in time and space and have consequences for the element cycles and energy flows through the different ecosystem compartments. Knowledge and insight: Understanding processes that can explain the patterns in distribution and numbers. Understanding of eco- physiological adaptation to the environment as well as population-dynamic aspects, of the role that interactions between species play and how they affect the community of life. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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11 | Systems Ecology & Ecological Interactions 2 | WBBY071-05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Systems ecology/ Ecological interactions covers the different scales of processes in ecological systems: System Ecology is focused on the large scale units the biomes, and studies the interaction between organisms and their physical environment in an integrated manner. It introduces the different ecosystems that occur in the oceans and on the continents. The characteristics of these systems are determined by the interaction between the physical and chemical environment and the organisms that have adapted to it. Interactions take place at different scales in time and space and have consequences for the element cycles and energy flows through the different ecosystem compartments. Ecological Interactions provides a theoretical and conceptual basis of ecological interactions at the level of individual, population and community of life, and does so in an evolutionary framework. The emphasis is on patterns and mechanisms of physiology and behavior. -Distribution and numbers: physiology and life history -Interactions with the environment (Ecophysiology): energetics, water balance, heat balance, defense against diseases, changing circumstances. -Interactions within species (Population dynamics): number regulation, density dependence, dispersion and migration, exploitation -Interactions between species: herbivory, competition, facilitation, predation, predator prey relations -Life communities: structure, dynamics, succession, food webs, trophic cascades, multiple stable states. Knowledge and insight: Understanding processes that can explain the patterns in distribution and numbers. Understanding of eco-physiological adaptation to the environment as well as population-dynamic aspects, of the role that interactions between species play and how they affect the community of life. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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