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529-0731-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-BIOL , D-CHAB , D-HEST

Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher, Dr. Bartosz Marcin Lewandowski, Prof. Dr. Michelle Frei

Note for BSc Biology students: Only one of the two concept courses 529-0731-00 Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates (autumn semester) or 529-0732-00 Proteins and Lipids (spring semester) can be counted for the Bachelor's degree.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:29

Abstract

Structure, function and chemistry of nucleic acids and carbohydrates.

Objective

Structure, function and chemistry of nucleic acids and carbohydrates. DNA/RNA structure and synthesis; recombinant DNA technology and PCR; therapeutic oligonucleotides; catalytic RNA; microscopy of and using nucleic acids; Structure and (bio)synthesis of carbohydrates and glycans; glycosyltransferases and their mechanisms; glycan arrays; glyco-conjugates in biotechnology and as vaccines; cell surface engineering

Content

Resources

Lecture Notes

No script; illustrations from the original literature relevant to the individual lectures will be provided weekly (typically as handouts downloadable from the Moodle server).

Literature

Mainly based on original literature, a detailed list will be distributed during the lecture

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 100 minutes
Aids: keine

Examination language can be English or German. Questions in English, answers accepted in English or German.Lernelement: Students who prepare a scientifically accurate handout and give a clearly structured chalk talk at the blackboard on an assigned literature topic will receive a 0.25 bonus added to their final examination grade, up to a maximum of 6. The bonus is valid for up to two years.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates Lecture 2 hours on Tuesday, 10-12 Exercises: 1 hour according to agreement, presumably Tuesday 8-9 or 9-10. Exercises will start in the second week of semester.	No time listed	3 h weekly

Offered In

Chemistry Bachelor
- Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
  - Biological Chemistry
Biology Bachelor
- Third Year Courses
  - Concept Courses
Chemistry Master
- Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
  - Organic Chemistry
Biology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2023)
  - Majors
    - Major in Microbiology and Immunology
      - Elective Concept Courses
    - Major in Biochemistry
      - Elective Concept Courses
    - Elective Major: Molecular Plant Biology
      - Elective Compulsory Concept Courses (See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide)
    - Major in Molecular and Structural Biology
      - Elective Compulsory Concept Courses (See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide)
    - Major in Biological Chemistry
      - Compulsory Concept Courses
Health Sciences and Technology Bachelor
- Electives (The list of electives is not exhaustive, also other courses can be chosen from the course catalogue: SiP-courses are only counted in the category "Science in Perspective". Practical sports courses are only counted in the sub-category Sports Practice (max. 6 ECTS).)
Biochemistry – Chemical Biology Bachelor
- Second and Third Year Core Courses
  - Examination Blocks
    - Examination Block III