Molecular Methods in Plant Biology
About the course
Master course for biology students. Mandatory for students specializing in Molecular Environmental Biology (prioritized). In addition to a bachelors degree in biology, admission requires a minimum of 10 ECTS in basic and practical molecular biology (BIO-2018 or equivalent) or documenting hands-on molecular lab experience through a bachelor thesis.
The course has a maximum capacity of 12 students.
The course is not available as a singular course.
The aim of this course is to give an introduction to basic molecular methods used in modern plant biological research. The course will give a basis for advanced research in different areas of biology. The students will study the effect of light to plant metabolism on DNA/RNA/protein level including epigenetic regulation of gene expression in plants. The laboratory is running for two weeks, and the results are discussed in plenum. The students will write individual laboratory reports which are evaluated. The lectures will be closely connected to the practical problems to be solved in the laboratory. Selected articles from the scientific curriculum are topics for seminar presented by the students. In the oral examination, the students will answer specific questions about the learning outcome of the course and the reports.
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
Upon successful completion of the course, the student:
- has deep understanding on the theoretical principles of gene regulation, gene expression analyses and epigenetics
- has deep understanding on the effect of light on plant metabolism
- masters the critical consideration of scientific literature within the topics for the course and the critical assessment of own results
Skills
After completing the course, the student:
- has good skills in isolation of RNA from plant samples
- has good skills in gene expression analyses (qPCR)
- has skills in protein extraction and enzyme activity measurement
- masters written and oral scientific presentation of research objectives, methods and results and discussion
Competence
The student will get competence to:
- experimental design for the gene/protein expression analysis
- evaluation of methods and discussion of the results
- understand the challenges for methodology selection for different plant materials
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- BIO-3018 Environmental Molecular Genetics 10 ects
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
Examination
| Oral exam | Date: 02.12.2026 –04.12.2026 Duration: 30 Minutes Weighting: 5/10 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
| Assignment | Hand in: 30.10.2026 14:00 Weighting: 5/10 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Participation in hands-on training and seminars | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Attendance to lectures | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Oral presentation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
Attendance to lectures: 80%
Approved work requirements are valid for three years.
