Biology: Molecular Microbiology

This course offers an in-depth dive into the molecular world of bacteria. You will learn about bacterial structure, genome organisation, stress responses, genetics, and gene regulation. It also covers modern techniques such as genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas gene editing, transcriptomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.

Many core principles in biology have been discovered through bacterial research – including the genetic code, DNA replication and transcription mechanisms, and the development of advanced genetic engineering tools. This course explores these foundations at the molecular level, helping you understand their structure and significance. You will also examine how random (stochastic) processes contribute to genetic diversity and phenotypic variation, and how these influence bacterial survival and adaptation.

The course includes a detailed study of bacteriophage structure and life cycles, offering insight into their role in bacterial ecology and gene transfer. By working with both model organisms like Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, and non-model species, as well as their viruses, you will gain a broad understanding of bacterial diversity and their importance to life on Earth.

Teaching includes lectures, tutorials, group discussions, lab work and project-based learning. Core concepts and theories are introduced in lectures and supported by course literature. These are then applied in problem-solving seminars, helping you deepen your understanding and develop the skills to tackle complex challenges.

In molecular microbiology, mutants are essential tools for studying bacterial genetics and biology. A key part of the course is a hands-on lab project where you’ll design or analyse bacterial mutants using advanced molecular techniques. Working in pairs, you’ll plan and carry out the project independently. This gives you practical experience in molecular biology, including experimental design, lab work, data analysis, documentation and scientific communication.

Examination takes place through a written examination at the end of the course as well as through written assignments, labs and seminars during the course.

Prerequisites

For admission to the course, 105 credits of scientific studies including knowledge corresponding to BIOA10 Cell and Microbiology 15 credits, BIOA11 Genetics and Evolution 15 credits, BIOR18 Microbiology 15 credits and chemistry 30 credits, are required. English 6/B

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 46,250
First payment: SEK 46,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.