Methods and Concepts in Molecular Life Sciences
This course teaches basic and advanced techniques in Molecular Biology allowing students to apply some of them. The students will also encounter the changes in our view of biological systems from the molecular to the organismal and ecological levels.
This course teaches students to use molecular techniques to answer questions concerning cell and molecular biology. The methods and concepts taught explore the function of both bacteria and eukaryotes. The course describes the theoretical foundations and research applications of several methods, including Cryo-electron microscopy, analysis of ancient DNA and gene-modifying methods. The course covers several model species (plants, flies and yeast), but also more exotic organisms such as Dictyostelium. During a comprehensive lab exercise, the students isolate yeast strains resistant to a fungal drug, extract and sequence the DNA of their own yeast mutant using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Finally, under the close supervision of computational tutors the students perform advanced bioinformatics to identify and characterize the mutations of their particular yeast strain.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to spring term 2025 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for spring 2025
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 7th January and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts.
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
This course teaches students to use molecular techniques to answer questions concerning cell and molecular biology. The methods and concepts taught explore the function of both bacteria and eukaryotes. The course describes the theoretical foundations and research applications of several methods, including Cryo-electron microscopy, analysis of ancient DNA and gene-modifying methods. The course covers several model species (plants, flies and yeast), but also more exotic organisms such as Dictyostelium. During a comprehensive lab exercise, the students isolate yeast strains resistant to a fungal drug, extract and sequence the DNA of their own yeast mutant using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Finally, under the close supervision of computational tutors the students perform advanced bioinformatics to identify and characterize the mutations of their particular yeast strain.
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Course structure
The course is given during the period March-June.
Teaching format
The course contains lectures by active researchers on modern concepts and methods in Life Sciences, group discussions of methods, a presentation of key papers and a practical project that includes screening and bioinformatics.
Learning outcomes
A list of the learning outcomes can be found in the syllabus. Please find the link to the syllabus on the right side of this page.
Assessment
The practical part has to be passed, the theoretical part consists of a written exam and a case study, which are graded based on a 7-grade scale.
Examiner
Questions can be sent to Stefan Åström, stefan.astrom@su.se.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Wilson & Walker: Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 8:th ed. 2018. Cambridge Press. ISBN 9781316614761.
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Course reports
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Closed Thursday November 21!
Study counsellor for basic level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315d
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
