Gene Technology and Basics in Bioinformatics (5 cr)

Objective

The student understands the basics of gene technology in theory and practice. The Student understands the significance of DNA techniques in different applications, for example in cloning, human identification and GMO analyses. The student is familiar with the Finnish law and regulations and has considered ethical issues regarding gene technology. Student knows the fundamentals of bioinformatics.

Content

Cloning methods. DNA amplification and sequencing methods, basics in DNA bioinformatics, RNAi techniques and genome editing methods.
Gene technology ethics, Finnish law and regulations, risk analysis.
The student can isolate, purify and characterize nucleic acids in the laboratory.

Location and time

Leiritie 1, 1st period

Materials

Suominen Ilari, Pärssinen Raimo, Haajanen Kari & Pelkonen Jani.
Geenitekniikka and/or
Pärssinen, R., Suominen, I. & Haajanen, K. Biogeeni. Ammatillista biokemiaa ja geenitekniikkaa.
Räikkä, J. ja Rossi, K. Geenit ja etiikka.
Lecture materials

Teaching methods

Interactive lecture
Laboratory works
Small group tutorials
Bioinformatics tutorials

Employer connections

FIMM, NGS sequencing
VTT, Applications of genetic engineering

Exam schedules

To be announced at the beginning of the course

Completion alternatives

Recognition of prior learning

Student workload

Lectures according to schedule and laboratory works.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Student demonstrates a basic understanding of gene technology principles.
Student struggles to perform basic gene technology techniques and may require extensive guidance.
Student has difficulty in analyzing experimental data and may not effectively apply critical thinking to problem-solving in gene technology.
Student possesses a basic understanding of bioinformatics concepts.
Student struggles to use bioinformatics tools and software effectively.
Student has difficulty in integrating gene technology experiments with bioinformatics analysis.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Student shows a good understanding of gene technology principles, including concepts such as gene cloning, PCR, and genetic engineering.
Student demonstrates good practical proficiency in gene technology techniques, such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, with limited supervision.
Student effectively analyzes experimental data, draws logical conclusions, and applies critical thinking skills to address scientific questions and challenges.
Student exhibits a good understanding of bioinformatics principles, including sequence analysis, databases, and computational tools. Student is proficient in the use of common bioinformatics tools and software for tasks such as sequence alignment, data retrieval, and data analysis.
Student effectively integrates gene technology experiments with bioinformatics analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from experimental data

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Student exhibits an excellent understanding of gene technology principles, with the ability to explain complex techniques and their applications.
Student displays excellent practical proficiency, independently executing advanced gene technology experiments and troubleshooting when necessary.
Student demonstrates outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills, offering innovative solutions and insights within the field of gene technology.
Student demonstrates an excellent understanding of bioinformatics, with the ability to explain advanced concepts and their relevance to genomics and molecular biology.
Student displays exceptional proficiency in utilizing a wide range of bioinformatics tools and software, including complex data mining and analysis.
Student has excellent skills in the combination of genetic engineering results and bioinformatic tools in the analysis.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Student demonstrates a basic understanding of gene technology principles.
Student struggles to perform basic gene technology techniques and may require extensive guidance.
Student has difficulty in analyzing experimental data and may not effectively apply critical thinking to problem-solving in gene technology.
Student possesses a basic understanding of bioinformatics concepts.
Student struggles to use bioinformatics tools and software effectively.
Student has difficulty in integrating gene technology experiments with bioinformatics analysis.

Assessment methods and criteria

Exam, guided exercises and lab report.

Qualifications

The world of microbes