Methods of molecular biology from Coursera

The course “Methods of molecular biology” is the first course developed by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) in collaboration and kind support of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Al-Farabi KazNU is one of the leading universities in Central Asia and is the oldest classical university in Kazakhstan. In 2019/20 it was ranked 165 in the QS World University Rankings and is 18th in the Emerging Europe and Central Asia (EECA) University Rankings. Molecular biology is one of the most interesting sciences, in which new discoveries are made every day. Initially arising at the intersection of such disciplines as biochemistry, genetics and physics, molecular biology was able to lay the foundation for many interesting achievements of modern engineering mind, which brought an invaluable contribution to the development of medicine, agriculture, and cutting-edge technologies. It studies the structure and properties of proteins and nucleic acids as well as various molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes and the life itself. The study of molecular biology provides a basis for understanding the molecular foundations of the structure, growth, development and functioning of cells and living systems, regulation of gene expression, matrix syntheses, and mechanisms of signal transduction. This multidisciplinary course will be interesting for students and specialists in the field of chemistry, ecology, mathematics, physics, medicine, and legal sciences, as well as to a wider audience, since it reveals various aspects of molecular biology and its methodological tools in an interesting and comprehensive language. After completing this course, students will be able to: • See the correlation of molecular biology techniques with advances in related fields of science. • Understand the specifics of methods related to the study, regulation and application of proteins and nucleic acids. • Interpret information on differences in molecular biological processes in pro- and eukaryotes. • Analyze the interaction of regulatory and functional elements of molecular-biological processes. • Apply the knowledge gained within the course in simulation and modeling, risk assessment, when writing articles, reviews, reports, developing cases and for analysis of the information perceived.

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Designed for students and professionals with a wide range of academic backgrounds, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics, medicine, and law

In-depth exploration of techniques used to study, regulate, and apply proteins and nucleic acids

Focus on understanding molecular biological processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Practical value in simulating, modeling, and risk assessment, as well as writing and analysis tasks

Reviews summary

Molecular biology information repository

The course titled "Methods of molecular biology" from the Kazakh National University is a detailed repository of knowledge related to this interdisciplinary field. It covers all aspects ranging from the basics of molecular biology to its applications in various fields. The course provides a wealth of information and is highly rated by learners.

The course covers a comprehensive range of topics for learners interested in the field.

"O curso é ótimo e traz muitas informações relevantes para o aprendizado de iniciantes na área. "

"This course really opened my mind to concepts, methods and applications of Molecular Biology. I really gained value"

The expert instruction by AJ has greatly enhanced the overall experience.

"Gained a lot of information regarding various aspects of Molecular biology. The instructor, AJ, is a great professional teacher."

"AJ handles details with caution and has great communication skills.thank youAyub"

Students found this course to be enriching with well-structured information.

"Cours très intéressant et très complet. Je recommande"

"It was a wonderful and enlightening course "

The tests have been criticized for containing errors and not assessing the concepts adequately.

"There are errors in some of the test questions."

"There is some useful information in this course, but it is not well structrured at all. For me, the videos were mostly unable to teach anything, because of the accent of the presenter and the too much, not well-detailed information."

Some students have found the course to be unorganized and lacking in practical elements.

"In my opinion, it was not well organized and it did not fulfill my expectations in terms of what I thought the aim of the course was."

"Too much text and no laboratory practices. The theory is very good but the laboratory practices are more important, because the theory is found in the books but the practices are not."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Methods of molecular biology with these activities:

Review Biochemistry and Genetics Concepts

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Strengthen your foundational knowledge in biochemistry and genetics to enhance your understanding of molecular biology.

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Review your past notes or textbooks on biochemistry and genetics.
Focus on understanding the fundamental concepts.

Refine Scientific Reading Skills

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Enhance your ability to effectively read and comprehend scientific literature.

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Practice active reading techniques by highlighting, annotating, and summarizing research articles.
Identify and understand technical vocabulary and concepts.
Try to make inferences and draw conclusions from the material you read.
Discuss your findings or interpretations with peers or the instructor

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Stay organized and enhance your understanding by reviewing and compiling course materials.

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Regularly review lecture notes, slides, and assignments.
Organize your notes and create summaries to improve retention.

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Review Molecular Biology of the Cell

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Review the fundamentals of molecular biology to lay a solid foundation for this course.

View Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-5 to understand the basics of molecular biology.
Summarize the key concepts in each chapter.
Create a mind map or diagram to connect the different concepts.

Watch Video Tutorials on Molecular Biology

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Supplement your learning with engaging and informative video content.

Browse courses on Molecular Biology

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Find video tutorials on reputable platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
Watch the tutorials to gain additional insights and perspectives.

Join a Study Group for Molecular Biology

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Enhance your learning through collaboration and discussions.

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Find or create a study group with fellow students.
Discuss the course material, share perspectives, and support each other's learning.

Solve Molecular Biology Practice Problems

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Reinforce your understanding of molecular biology concepts through practice.

Browse courses on Molecular Biology

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems and check your answers.
Review the concepts you struggled with.

Create a Concept Map of Molecular Biology

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Deepen your understanding and visualize the connections between molecular biology concepts.

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Identify the main concepts in each chapter.
Create a visual representation of the relationships between the concepts.
Use different shapes, colors, and lines to represent different types of relationships.

Career center

Learners who complete Methods of molecular biology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biochemist

A Biochemist researches, analyzes, and interprets the chemical makeup of living cells. Their work may be geared toward advancements in fields such as pharmacology, drug development, food science, or environmental protection. Knowledge of molecular biology and its methodologies is crucial in this role, as much of a Biochemist's work involves research using techniques like gene sequencing and polymerase chain reactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Molecular Biologist

Molecular Biologists study molecules found in living organisms, ranging from microscopic examination to genetic analysis. Their work has applications in research and development in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. This course in Methods of Molecular Biology will provide undergraduate MBs with a strong foundation in the experimental techniques used in the field, from genetic sequencing to protein crystallization.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists are responsible for designing and conducting studies on various subjects, using the scientific method, and examining the results in order to compile and interpret data. Many Research Scientists work in the field of biology, and will need to have a comprehensive understanding of molecular biological techniques. This course will provide a strong basis for both the experimental and data analysis elements of their work.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians operate under the supervision of Scientists, and are involved in laboratory testing and analysis of data. They perform hands-on experimental work, such as setting up and maintaining equipment, preparing experimental solutions, and performing scientific tests. Because they are so involved in the technical day-to-day of laboratory operations, knowledge of molecular biology techniques is vital to success in the role. Likewise, Laboratory Technicians will find that the foundational portions of this course will help them build a strong foundation in the concepts underlying the scientific methods they perform.

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Science Writer

Science Writers are responsible for translating complex scientific and technical information into content that can be understood by people who may not be experts. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or as freelancers. Those who specialize in the medical field will need a thorough understanding of molecular biology techniques, so that they can accurately report on developments and breakthroughs in medicine and its related fields. As such, this course will prove invaluable for aspiring Science Writers.

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Medical Doctor

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases. They may specialize in a variety of fields, including internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics. An understanding of molecular biology is becoming increasingly important in the field as personalized treatments grow more common. This course may be useful for those who plan to specialize in fields such as genetics, oncology, or immunology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Science Teacher

Science Teachers develop and implement lesson plans, teach science courses, and grade students. Those who teach biology should have a thorough understanding of molecular biological techniques, as these are at the heart of many modern advancements in the field. This course will also help teachers improve their explanations of complex scientific topics to students.

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Bioinformatician

Bioinformaticians are responsible for developing and implementing software tools for the analysis and interpretation of biological data. They play a key role in the advancement of personalized medicine, the development of new therapies, and the understanding of disease mechanisms. Molecular biology techniques form the basis of the data that Bioinformaticians work with, so an understanding of these techniques will help those in the field build a solid foundation for their work.

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Regulatory Affairs Scientist

Regulatory Affairs Scientists are responsible for ensuring adherence to regulations and laws regarding the development, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food products. Knowledge of molecular biology is crucial in this role, as many regulations concern genetic engineering and clinical trials involving genetic therapies.

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Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors provide genetic information and support to individuals and families. They interpret genetic test results, discuss inheritance patterns, and help patients make informed decisions about their health. The course will give them a well-rounded foundation in the techniques used to better understand complex genetic diseases and predict inheritance patterns.

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Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes and develop reports for law enforcement personnel. Those who specialize in DNA analysis will need a thorough understanding of molecular biology techniques, as these are used to identify and compare DNA samples. This course will help them build a strong foundation in these techniques.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys prepare and file patent applications and prosecute them through the patent process. Those who specialize in biotechnology will need a thorough understanding of molecular biology techniques, as patents in this field often involve complex scientific concepts. This course will help them build a strong foundation in these techniques.

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Science Journalist

Science Journalists write and report on scientific and medical news and developments. Those who specialize in biotechnology will need a thorough understanding of molecular biology techniques, as these are often used in the development of new medical treatments and technologies. This course will help them build a strong foundation in these techniques.

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Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialists develop and implement quality assurance programs for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Those who work in the field of biotechnology will need a thorough understanding of molecular biology techniques, as these are used in the development and manufacturing of these products. This course will help them build a strong foundation in these techniques.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies. They may work for governments, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. Those who specialize in health policy will need to have a solid understanding of molecular biology techniques, so that they can accurately assess the potential impact of policies on the development and delivery of new medical treatments.

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Methods of molecular biology

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Molecular biology information repository

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