Physical Chemistry Basics of DNA and Genetic Information
Module PH2154
Module version of SS 2018
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 2022 | SS 2021 | SS 2020 | SS 2019 | SS 2018 | SS 2017 | WS 2008/9 |
Basic Information
PH2154 is a semester module in German or English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 60 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2154 in the version of SS 2018 was Günther Woehlke.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
Energetic, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the following issues: information encoding in DNA; DNA topology, twist, and formation of plectonemes; topological problems during DNA replication and repair; gene expression and it regulation; genetic switches
Learning Outcome
After successful attendance, the participants are able to judge the relevance of physical-chemical basics for storage, propagation and maintenance of genetic information. In particular, problems arising in cyclic DNA molecules can be described in a quantitative manner. Attendees are able to categorize and understand current literature and problems of the field.
Preconditions
Biophysics in cells; advanced knowledge of molecular biology and/or genetics.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Physical Chemistry Basics of DNA and Genetic Information | Woehlke, G. |
Wed, 14:00–17:00, PH 3024 |
eLearning |
| UE | 2 | Exercise to Physical Chemistry Basics of DNA and Genetic Information |
Responsible/Coordination: Woehlke, G. |
eLearning |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lecture: physical chemistry of nucleotides; crash course 'molecular cloning' for the understanding of primary literature; torsonal stiffness of DNA and RNA; mechansims of topoisomerases, helicases, integrases and recombinases; Crispr/Cas
Exercises: Application of theoretical background to specific, cell biologically relevant examples
Current literature in the field, in particular with single-molecule experiment background
Media
Lecture with script; study of current literature, possibly with student presentations
Literature
Phillips et al. (2013) Physical Biolog of the Cell. 2nd ed.
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using Questions concerning physical-chemical properties of DNA, and understanding of experimental observations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- Causes and consequences of DNA bending stiffness
- Response of DNA on torsional forces
- Questions concerning the understanding of single-molecule studies on DNA and RNA
Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.
Current exam dates
Currently TUMonline lists the following exam dates. In addition to the general information above please refer to the current information given during the course.
| Title | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Location | Info | Registration |
| Exam to Physical chemistry basics of DNA and genetic information | |||
| Mon, 2023-09-18 till 23:55 | Dummy-Termin. Wenden Sie sich zur individuellen Terminvereinbarung an die/den Prüfer(in). Anmeldung für Prüfungstermin zwischen 18.09.2023 und 21.10.2023. // Dummy date. Contact examiner for individual appointment. Registration for exam date between 2023-Sep-18 and 2023-Oct-21. | till 2023-09-17 | |