Admission requirements
BSc in Biology or LST with a major in Microbiology or Molecular Biology. Other candidates should have a solid background in Molecular Biology.
Contact information
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. G.P. van Wezel
Email: g.wezel@biology.leidenuniv.nl
Description
Series of lectures, selection of research papers on related topics and workshops will be given on understanding how global regulatory networks govern gene expression in bacteria. We will look at how environmental signals (e.g. nutrients, stress) are translated to switch sets of genes on and off, and how this affects metabolism, development and antibiotic production. Furthermore (the control of) protein secretion and the cellular matrix will be discussed. Special attention will be directed at more complex, multicellular bacteria. This course includes writing of a research proposal.
Learning goals
Course objectives:
Provide an up-to-date overview of the latest results published on the topics discussed during the lectures. Students will learn to use this knowledge in answering typical research questions and to apply their knowhow in writing a concise research proposal.
Final qualifications:
At the end of the course students:
will have knowledge of the fundamental principles of global control of gene expression in bacteria
will have detailed insights into the structure and function of the bacterial RNA polymerase and promoter recognition, and how this is used by bacteria to differentially express sets of genes under different growth conditions
will have knowledge of technologies to analyse global gene expression profiles, such as microarrays, proteomics, RNAseq and ChipSeq.
will have knowledge of how sporulation of multicellular bacteria (Streptomycetes) is controlled
will have knowledge of how we can manipulate antibiotic-producing bacteria to produce new bioactive compounds for drug development
will understand what is needed to write a succinct research proposal on a given subject, thereby working in a collaborative team of 3-4 students.
can digest and present a summary of a scientific presentation with help of supporting literature
Mode of instruction
Lectures, guest lecture(s) and exercises
Timetable
From 11 February 2019 - 19 April 2019 . The detailed timetable will be available on Blackboard.
Literature
The course will be based on the presentations and on the scientific literature that will be provided during the lectures. Handouts of all presentations will be provided as PDF via Blackboard.
Assessment method
Written examination (50%)
Assignments, working in small groups on a project (33%)
Summary of guest lecture (17%)
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for communication.
Reading list
The course will be based on the presentations and on the scientific literature that will be provided during the lectures. Handouts of all presentations will be provided as PDF on Blackboard.
Registration
Register for this course via usis.
Enroll in Blackboard
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.