BA/BS in Molecular Biology

Objective(s) of a study programme: To prepare specialists having basic knowledge and skills in life sciences with the emphasis on molecular biology, which would create basis for their successful carrier in bioscience-related areas. Learning outcomes: To develope theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to explain the structure and functions of biological processes in living systems, practical skills to perform molecular biology laboratory procedures, to work with standard biomedical science equipment, apply methods of bioinformatics, critically evaluate information in the area of molecular biology and related sciences, solve problems of familiar and unfamiliar nature, analyse novel problems and plan their solution strategies; skills to communicate effectively, to work individually and in a team, organize and plan their time, study and continuously develop their professionalism and general literacy. Activities of teaching and learning: Lectures, laboratory work, exercises, seminars, consultations, self -study. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The main form of evaluation is an examination. However, courses units may be evaluated by the pass/fail evaluation as well. Every course unit is concluded with either a written or written-oral examination or pass/fail evaluation. Student's knowledge and general performance during the exam are evaluated using grading scale from 1(very poor) to 10(excellent), or by pass or fail evaluation in the cases when pass/fail evaluation is foreseen as a final evaluation of the course unit. Study subjects (modules), practical training: Obligatory courses: General and physical chemistry, Organic chemistry, Bioorganic chemistry, Biochemistry, English for specific purposes, Linear algebra and geometry, Mathematical analysis and differential equations, Probability theory and mathematical statistics, Biodiversity, Introduction to the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Structural cell biology, Human and animal physiology, Molecular biology, Genetic engineering, Biostatistics, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Course work, Functional cell biology, Fundamentals of Genetics, Elective courses: Quantitative fluorescence microscopy, Bioenergetics, Plant Molecular Biology, Molecular Biophysics of Proteins and Medicines, Enzymology, Neurobiology, Developmental Biology and Genetics. General university electives (GUE). Practices: Professional practices (16+16 weeks) in research laboratories of research and business institutions. Bachelor's thesis. Distinctive features of a study programme: Programme provides with the modern knowledge and practical skills in molecular biology and other life sciences, which constitute a strong basis for further studies and professional carrrier in rapidly developing areas of biomedicine and biotechnologies. Access to professional activity: Graduate could find a situation in enterprises of biotechnology and microbiology, at reseah institutes, clinical and private laboratories. Access to further study: The holders of Bachelor degree could continue their studies in such Master degree programmes as Genetics, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Biophysics, and Medical Biology