The objective of the subject is to put into practice concepts learned about recombinant DNA, such as cloning (cellular and acellular), hybridization, gene expression and its regulation, expression of heterologous genes, and protein production, etc.



Furthermore, the necessary writing skills to turn the work done in the laboratory into a research article will be developed.

Specific competencies:



- Learn to properly use the methodology of nucleic acid cloning, expression, and mutagenesis, as well as methods for expression and purification of recombinant proteins.

- Understand the principles and applications of major Molecular Biology techniques.

- Knowledge and mastery of scientific writing.

- Develop planning and organizational strategies for writing a scientific paper.

- Communicate research results in original writings, adhering to scientific writing conventions within the academic field and following internationally recognized information organization standards.



Cross-disciplinary skills:



- Protein and nucleic acid extraction following Molecular Biology laboratory protocols, based on purity and performance criteria.

- Proper operation in the laboratory, considering chemical and biological safety, handling and disposal of chemical waste, and written record of activities.

- Ability to discuss cellular molecular processes using correct, appropriate, and precise scientific terms.

- Cooperation and teamwork.

- Ability to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.

Cloning cDNA into a vector by PCR. cDNA amplification by PCR, design of primers. Ligation and transformation of competent cells by CaCl2. Selection of recombinants using PCR. Protein overexpression and identification of products using SDS-PAGE.



Fundamentals of scientific writing: scientific writing, types of reports, structure of research papers, contents of different sections and development, review articles, etc.

As teaching methodology, we will use:



Lectures, which will consist of explanation sessions by the professor and practical application through various methodologies. Additionally, efforts will be made to encourage students to reflect on the practical sessions.



Laboratory practical sessions, where students have the opportunity to handle some of the basic tools in a molecular biology laboratory and acquire manual dexterity, observational skills, habits of planning experimental work, and notions about report preparation.



Computer practical sessions will be used to organize the results obtained by students in the laboratory practical sessions and to begin drafting research papers under the guidance of the professor.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 50
  • Practical sessions and work in groups (%): 50

The student's evaluation will be conducted through a written exam, which will include questions and exercises related to both the lectures and the theoretical foundation, as well as the skills acquired by the students in the laboratory and computer practices, and will represent 50% of the final grade. The evaluation of the practical sessions and the group work will account for the other 50%.



The final grade for the course corresponds to the sum of the partial grades of the evaluated sections. To pass the course, it is essential to pass the written exams related to the lectures, have completed the practical sessions (computer and laboratory), and have submitted the reports.



Failure to attend the exam set on the official examination date will result in automatic forfeiture of the corresponding opportunity.

Grades on reports and practical sessions are kept for the July call.

Failure to attend the exam scheduled on the official examination date will result in automatic forfeiture of the corresponding opportunity.

- Lab coat
- Practical sessions protocols
- eGela platform of the subject

Basic bibliography

- Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 8th edition (2018). Wilson K, Walker J. Cambridge University Press.

- Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics, 8th edition (2016). Primrose SB; Twyman RM. Wiley-Blackwell

- Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and applications of recombinant DNA (2022). Glick BR, Cheryl LP. Wiley.

- Gene Biotechnology (2004) Wu W, Welsh MJ, Kaufman PB, Zhang HH. CRC Press.

- How to write and publish a scientific paper, 8th edition (2017). Barbara Gastel and Robert A. Day.

- How to Write a Good Scientific Paper (2018). Chris A. Mack.

- Writing and publishing scientific papers. A Primer for the Non-English Speaker (2021). Gábor L. Lövei.

- How to write a good scientific review article. Paraminder Dhillon. The FEBS Journal 289 (2022) 3592-3602

In-depth bibliography

- Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, vol I, II y III (2012). Green MR, Sambrook J. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
- DNA cloning 1. A Practical Approach. Core Techniques (1995). Edited by D.M. Glover and B.D. Hames. IRL Press. Oxford University Press.
- DNA cloning 2. Expression Systems (1995). Edited by D.M. Glover and B.D. Hames. IRL Press. Oxford University Press.
- In Situ Hybridization Protocols, 5th edition (2020). Edited by I.A. Darby and T.D. Hewitson. Methods in Molecular Biology. Humana Press.

Web addresses

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/index.shtml
https://www.expasy.org/
https://swissmodel.expasy.org/
https://proteininformationresource.org/
https://www.ensembl.org/
https://genome.ucsc.edu/
http://www.firstmarket.com/cutter/cut2.html
https://www.umassmed.edu/nemo/resources/