Objectives

The objective of the programme is to provide students with a broad and basic understanding of molecular biological methods and ways of thinking based on chemical analysis so that they can apply this knowledge in teaching molecular biology, work in a laboratory or conduct further studies in molecular biology or related disciplines, such as biology, chemistry or biomedicine.

Content

The programme gives an overview of modern molecular biology and includes themes, such as metabolism, molecular cell biology, experimental molecular biology, gene structure and function and applied bioinformatics.

The Bachelor's Programme in Molecular Biology is taught in Norwegian only

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• commands good fundamental skills within chemistry and mathematics
• has geined broad knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes in molecular biology (such as macromolecules and their functions, metabolic processes, and how genomics inforation is converted to biological function)
• has knowledge of the theory of evolution and the central dogma
• has knowledge of important model organisms
• has gained broad knowledge within molecular cell biology
• has wide knowledge of important methods within molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics including gene technology, protein purification and sequence analyses, and knows the principles behind these methods
• is able to update own knowledge within the field of molecular biology

Skills

The candidate

• can apply knowledge in molecular- and cell biology in a biological context
• can perform simple experiments within molecular biology and biochemistry in alignment with ethical norms
• can apply bioinfomratics tools to topics within biology and molecular biology
• can use library and scientifix databases to collect relevant information in molecular biology
• has knowledge in programming, and can apply this data analyses and problem solving within molecular biology
• must be able to handle chemicals and biological material, and understand the risks of these, focusing on health, safety and environment (HSE).

General competance

The candidate

• has insight into relevant molecular biology problems and ethical issues
• can communicate knowledge within molecular biology both orally and in writing
• can apply his/her expertise within new fields of molecular biology

These courses are compulsory:

Ex.phil., MAT101/MAT105, INF100, MOL100, MOL200, MOL201, MOL221, MOL222, MOL203, MOL204, KJEM110, KJEM130, one elective course in in statistics or mathematics.

The specialization in the study programme totals 100 ECTS, and consists of the following courses:

MOL100, MOL200, MOL201, MOL221, MOL222, MOL203, MOL204, KJEM110, KJEM130, and one elective course in statistics or mathematics.

The following courses are recommended electives in the programme: MOL210, MOL213, MOL214, MOL231 and MOL270. Other relevant courses: KJEM131, KJEM120, KJEM122, KJEM140, KJEM202, KJEM210, KJEM260, BIO100, BIO103, BIO215, BIO216, BIO271, BINF100, PHYS101, MAT102, MAT121, STAT101 and STAT110.

Other courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics, informatics, physics and biology and more, may also be relevant. The students may choose other courses.

At UoB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

With a degree in molecular biology you can work with research and teaching at universities, university colleges, university hospitals and other major hospitals. Molecular biologists work in a variety of fields such as food research, petroleum industry, marine research, forensic science and environmental research. Medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry and research are also relevant fields of work.

A bachelor's degree in molecular biology gives you a good base to pursue a master's degree in molecular biology or other related fields. The width of your academic qualifications will be your greatest competitive advantage in case you end your studies after completing the bachelor's degreee