2015

MOLECULAR
GENETICS

MASTER PROGRAMME

ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA UNIVERSITY OF IASI, FACULTY OF BIOLOGY | Carol I Bdv. 20A, Iasi, RO-700505,
Romania

ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA UNIVERSIT Y of IAI

Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506
Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

PER LIBERTATEM AD VERITATEM

www.uaic.ro

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai is the oldest higher education institution in Romania. Since
1860, the university has been carrying on a tradition of excellence and innovation in the fields of
education and research. With over 24.000 students and 800 academic staff, the university enjoys
high prestige at national and international level and cooperates with 286 universities world-wide.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is a member of some of the most important university networks
and associations: the Coimbra Group, EUA European University Association, Utrecht Network,
International Association of Universities, University Agency of Francophony and the Network of
Francophone Universities (RUFAC). These partnerships offer us the opportunity to experience
changes, to have student and teacher mobilities and joint academic, research and strategy
programmes.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University became the first student-centered university in Romania, once
the Bologna Process was implemented. We believe in the power of individual choice and
customized education. Thus, we became the first Romanian university to offer students the
opportunity to choose both a major and a minor field of study, in a combination at their choice
that best suits their career goals.
Research at our university is top level. In 2008, for the third year in a row, Alexandru Ioan Cuza
University was placed first in the national research ranking compiled on the basis of Shanghai
criteria. Our teachers are involved in over 400 national and international research projects, with
the logistic support of 24 research centres. Striving for excellence, the university takes unique
initiatives to stimulate research quality, to encourage dynamic and creative education and to
involve its best students in academic life.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/170203424/Alexandru-Ioan-Cuza-University-of-Iasi-PresentationBrochure
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ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA UNIVERSIT Y of IAI

Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506
Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

PER LIBERTATEM AD VERITATEM

www.uaic.ro

Faculty of Biology

Faculty of Biology was founded in 1860 in

Facultatea de Biologie a fost nfiinat n 1860 o dat cu Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza Iai,
ca o secie a Facultii de tiine (Fizic, Matematic i tiine Naturale). Cu muli ani mai trziu,
n 1948, secia de tiine Naturale devine Facultatea de tiine Naturale n cadrul creia
funcioneaz mai multe catedre (Botanic, Zoologie, Fiziologie vegetal, Fiziologie animal i
Geologie). n anul 1959, prin unirea colectivelor de cadre didactice care predau tiinele biologice
cu cele care predau tiinele geografice s-a constituit Facultatea de tiine Naturale-Geografie,
care n 1963 devine Facultatea de Biologie-Geografie. Urmare a dezvoltrii Seciei de Geologie,
n 1977 Facultatea i ntregete denumirea n cadrul studierii tiinelor Naturii devenind
Facultatea de Biologie-Geografie-Geologie. n anul 1990 s-a constituit Facultatea de Biologie.

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Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506

Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

www.uaic.ro

MOLECULAR GENETICS MASTER STUDY PROGRAMME

Molecular genetics master programme, was accredited in Faculty of Biology Alexandru Ioan Cuza
University of Iasi, since 1997 1998. Molecular Genetics master programme has an extend of 4 semesters
(120 credits), according to the Low 288/2004, HG 404/2006, OU 75/2005, OMEC 3617/2005
Establishment of the Molecular Genetics master, English taught day courses (4 semesters with 120
credits), was approved by the Council of the Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi,
on April 19th 2011 and by "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Senate Decision, No.2/21.04.2011.
Given the increasing development of Biology in the last half of the twentieth century and in the
beginning of this millennium towards the study of molecular aspects of life and also due to the wide
introduction of biotechnologies in many areas, Molecular Genetics covers these requirements through an
appropriate curriculum plan.
The curriculum of this two-year study cycle aims to increase the practical application of the acquired
theoretical knowledge of the students and for the graduates preparation of thesis in studies at the
molecular level. This university master specialization aims to provide graduates with scientific
competencies that will allow them to investigate the molecular mechanisms important for the structure
and function of the living cells. The thesis would represent a comprehensive study of cellular processes
at molecular level.

Knowledge to acquire: - completing this specialization will allow for:

Good knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of gene expression;
Overview of different cellular processes interrelations;
Ability to understand and analyse molecular biology problems, by acquiring all necessary
investigation methods and techniques.

1. MISSION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME

Molecular Biology science has evolved from genome analysis at a chromosomal level, through
classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques, to highly sensitive genomic analysis, on a large spectrum
of organisms, from bacteria and microscopic algae to plants of major economic, ecological, floristic and
taxonomic interest, animals of taxonomic and economic interest and humans. Modern techniques of
genetic analysis, as PCR and gene sequencing, have become routine methods and as a results gene
mapping through molecular hybridization have already been published.
Techniques for obtaining genetically modified organisms (GMO) are in a full process of
development, based on laboratory research practical application. Aspects of Development Genetics and
Cytodifferentiation, in normal and pathological conditions, in plants, animals and humans, are concerns
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Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506

Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

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addressed with modern techniques of Cellular and Molecular Biology. DNA interaction with chemical
agents used in cancer therapies and immunomodulation are part of the modern tendencies of life
phenomena research, with recognized results at international level.
Molecular Genetics specialization (English taught) objectives:

Training human resources specialized in Molecular Biology

Perform multidisciplinary research (Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy)
and develop of a national network consisting of elite research cores, attached to Romanian
universities
Training and development of organizational structures able to cope with managerial problems
that arise in the research activity, in the field of Molecular Biology.
Ensuring the necessary conditions to participate in international research networks and programs,
as a current phase of European and global integration of Romanian research in the field of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

2. GRADUATES PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

This Biology master, with specialization in Molecular Genetics, is based on a curriculum plan that
aims for teaching Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry general and special competencies which
will ensure a good labour market insertion of graduates and on the other hand, proper education in order
to apply for university PhD studies (preferably within our faculty).
These competences are listed below, by category:
Cognitive competences:
Knowledge, understanding and use of biochemistry specific concepts, theories, principles and
laws;
- Explaining and interpreting processes, phenomena, states and evolutionary tendencies at a
biological system level;
- Oral and written communication using the correct terminology specific to Biology.
-

Technical competences:
Developing exploration/investigation capacities of biological systems functions and their relation
with the environment;
Collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data regarding specific
problems of the living;
Capacity to work independently or as part of a team, towards resolving problems in a professional
context;
Use and construction of models and algorithms towards proving the principles of the living world;
Transfer and integrate knowledge and biology specific methods into new contexts;
Achieving intra-, inter- and trans disciplinary connections in the process of analysing phenomena
and processes specific to the living world;
Instrumenting, creative application of teaching-learning-evaluating methods, techniques,
proceedings and didactic principles in order for the students to develop the capacity to think and
act as biochemists or molecular biologist (for students attending the psycho-pedagogical module).
4

ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA UNIVERSIT Y of IAI

Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506
Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

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www.uaic.ro

General competences:
Preoccupation with achievements and new findings in Biology and Molecular Genetics;
Interest in scientific information and documentation;
Cultivating curiosity and respect towards any life form;
Care towards oneself, others and the environment;
Developing tolerance towards other peoples opinions;
Receptivity and flexibility in applying genetic knowledge;
Awareness and involvement in problems of global interest.

Specialty competences:
Knowing and understanding the organization and functions of genetic material in the living world;
Applying laboratory methods and techniques to study nucleic acids and proteins;
Using different methods and criteria to evaluate the structures and functions of the genetic
material in biological systems;
Study of molecular markers used in the genetic characterization of plant and animal species;
Knowledge of principles and methods for identifying genetic diversity and evolutionary processes
of the living world
Study of biomarkers used in human disease diagnostics
-

Graduates of the English taught Molecular Genetics master will be able to apply for a wide range of
key positions, executive or decisional, in the field of fundamental or applicative research. Graduates will
have diversified knowledge of molecular biology and they will develop the skills to understand and analyse
complex interrelations that govern the structure and functioning of the living cell.

3. FACILITIES
The Faculty of Biology disposes of adequate facilities for all the research and teaching activities
included in this study program subjected to evaluation (Biology master, Molecular Genetics specialization,
taught in English):
-

CLASSROOMS: B2 Amphitheatre (200 seats); room B-339 (50 seats).

COMPUTER NETWORK - room B - 435 (45 m2)
BIOLOGY FACULTY LIBRARY
ROOMS FOR LABORATORY PRACTICAL WORK AND SEMINARIES
RESEARCH LABORATORIES
EQUIPMENTS: fully equipped laboratory for a wide range of molecular analysis including DNA
sequencing (CEQ 8000 Genetic analyser) and gene expression (Rotor Q 6000 5 plex and HRM RTPCR system)

ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA UNIVERSIT Y of IAI

PER LIBERTATEM AD VERITATEM

Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506

Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

www.uaic.ro

4. CURRICULA
1st year curricula
Nr. crt.

Nr. of Hours / week

Topic

Credits

Biochemistry of informational macromolecules

Recombinant DNA technologies

Statistical methods in bioinformatics

Transgenic plants

Control of Gene Expression

10

10

30

TOTAL
1

Bioethical aspects of OMGs production

Proteome

Human molecular genetics

Biomodelling: genetics algorithms

Transgenic animals

30

TOTAL

2nd year curricula

Nr. crt.

Topic

Nr. of Hours / week

C

Credits

Microbial Biotechnology

Molecular Biotechnologies in Medicine and

Industry

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Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506

Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

www.uaic.ro

Molecular neurobiology

Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Signaling

30

30

TOTAL
1
2
3

Pharmacogenomics and immunogenetics

Molecular alterations involved in genomic
instability
Molecular Ecology, Phylogenetics and
Phylogeography

Molecular Biology of Cell Cycle

3 weeks research practice

TOTAL

EMPLOYABILITY
During this module you will be building on the skills you have learnt in the first and second years. The
Special Topic will particularly help you develop:
Self-management: you have learnt to plan your time and work autonomously in the last
couple of years, but it is now even more important that you take the initiative this term
and manage your time effectively to cope with the demands of this module (for which
you should be dedicating about 3-4 days of your time per week) against the demands of
the dissertation, and your other committments
Communication: this is the last chance to practice your verbal communication skills and
take account of your feedback before you do presentations in Assessed Seminars, which
will count towards your final degree. You also need to make sure you have really
understood how to write a strong academic argument which is required in the exam,
but you will have the chance to practice this further in essays during the module - make
sure you attend feedback sessions so that you understand how to improve
Team working: it may be of benefit to form your own study groups and work together
with others in the class in order to cover all the reading you have been set
Problem solving: you will be developing your skills in retrieving, analysing and evaluating
information from a range of different sources
Social, cultural and global awareness: you should be developing your awareness of
international issues and particularly ethical issues
Application of IT: you will be developing your word processing skills and should
concentrate on presentation of your work, both in essays, but also the Powerpoints you
create.
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PER LIBERTATEM AD VERITATEM

Carol I Bdv. No.11, Iai, RO-700506

Phone: +40 232 201010
Fax:
+40 232 201121

www.uaic.ro

5. ADMISSION
Evaluation fee: 200 lei
July session:
- 16 25th of July registration
- 26 28th of July candidate selection and results announcement