Admission requirements
Students should be familiar with the structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins including basic knowledge about their biosynthesis (DNA replication, RNA transcription and protein translation). To obtain the required level, students should have studied the relevant parts of a major textbook in molecular biology, like for instance “Molecular Biology of the Cell” by Alberts et al. (7th edition; Chapter 4 - DNA, chromosomes, and genomes; Chapter 5 - DNA replication, repair and recombination; Chapter 6 - How cells read the genome: from DNA to Protein; Chapter 12 - Intracellular organization and protein sorting; Chapter 13 - Intracellular membrane traffic).
Students should have a general theoretical knowledge about manipulating cells and DNA. To obtain the required level students should have studied the relevant parts of a major textbook. The following chapters from “Molecular Biology of the Cell” can serve as an example of the required study material: Chapter 8 - Analyzing cells, molecules, and systems; Chapter 9 - Visualizing cells and their molecules.
Students should be familiar with the general concepts of virology as they are taught in the LUMC course “Infectious Agents and Immunity” and summarized in Chapter 14 (sections 1 and 3) of “Biochemistry” by Campbell, Farrell and McDougal (9th edition).
Students should be familiar with the use of basic laboratory equipment like (micro)pipettes, electrophoresis equipment, (micro)centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, etc.
Some experiments in the course involve the handling of (small amounts of) radioactive materials. Students will receive detailed on-site instructions on radiological safety and handling of radio-isotopes before these experiments are started.
Recommended knowledge:
- The practical part of the course involves handling of infectious material (viruses) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Therefore general knowledge and skills in how to handle infectious material and GMOs is recommended. The required knowledge and skills can be obtained in the LUMC course “Infectious Agents and Immunity” or an equivalent course in (medical) microbiology.
Description
Period: 21 October 2024 - 15 November 2024
RNA viruses constitute a major group of pathogens and can infect all living organisms, including humans, as the recent SARS-coronavirus-2 pandemic has made painfully clear. They are unique, not only for having an RNA genome, but also because of their high mutation frequency, evolutionary potential, diverse replication mechanisms and intricate strategies to exploit the infrastructure of the infected host cell. This Master course focuses on the molecular biology and the different strategies that RNA viruses use for their genome replication, gene expression and virion production. A significant part of the course consists of practical work that is mainly based on the use of a (completely biosafe) mouse coronavirus. Students will become familiar with various virological and molecular biological techniques to detect, quantify and characterize viruses and their replication cycle, and acquire skills to study viral genes and gene products. During the practical work, students will work in couples and the materials generated in one experiment will be required for the next experiment(s).
Although the emphasis is on viruses with an RNA genome, many general virological principles will be discussed. A textbook and workgroups (including assignments) will guide the students through the theoretical part of the course. In addition, a reader containing protocols and selected additional information will be provided. A number of seminars by guest speakers are scheduled throughout the course to highlight some of the major topics in current virology. At the end of the course, the students will have to present the outcome of their experiments and take a written exam covering the textbook, the experiments and seminar contents.
Course objectives
The student:
Is able to describe the molecular aspects of the RNA virus replication cycle (virus entry, gene expression, replication, particle assembly and release).
Is able to describe the techniques that are used to detect, purify and quantitate virus particles and to study viral proteins, nucleic acids and gene expression.
Is able to describe the characteristics and potential use of RNA virus reverse genetics systems and RNA virus-based expression vectors.
Is able to deduce a model (on aspects) of an RNA virus replication cycle or virus particle structure, based on experimental results.
Is able to design and execute experiments (including controls) that yield information on various aspects of the replication cycle and properties/structure of RNA viruses.
Critically discusses the data obtained from experiments performed during the course, as well as those performed by others, for a professionally educated audience.
Presents and defends experimental data obtained during the course for a professionally educated audience.
Demonstrates a professional attitude in the laboratory and workgroups by being on time, showing motivation, participating and cooperating with peers constructively and sticking to the applicable rules.
Timetable
All course and group schedules are published on MyTimeTable.
The exam dates have been determined by the Education Board and are published in MyTimeTable.
It will be announced in MyTimeTable and/or Brightspace when and how the post-exam feedback will be organized.
Mode of instruction
Self-study assignments, work groups, practicals, demonstration experiments, seminars, presentations by students, written exam.
Assessment method
Summative assessment:
A. Study performance during practicals and work groups (30%)
B. Presentation on experimental work (20%)
C. Written exam (50%)
The exam dates can be found on MyTimeTable.
Reading list
Will be provided a month before the course start date.
Registration
Registration for FOS courses, H2W, Scientific Conduct, Course on Lab Animal Sciences and CRiP takes place in lottery rounds in the beginning of July. After the lottery rounds: if you want to register for a course you are kindly asked to contact the student administration at masterbms-courses@lumc.nl.