BIO301 Molecular Biology
BIO301 Molecular Biology
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Oct 10, 2025
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Genetics and Bioengineering
Lejla Mahmutović
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
Understand the fundamental principles of molecular and cell biology Apply knowledge of chemical foundations Analyze protein structure and function Familiarize with essential molecular biology techniques Evaluate the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells Explore the molecular mechanisms of translation and protein synthesis Connect molecular biology principles to human disease Learn to read and interpret scietific papers
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Angelika Amon, Kelsey C. Martin. Molecular Cell Biology. W. H. Freeman & Company. ISBN: 978‑1464183393
Additional Literature
Will be given during the course lectures.Teaching Methods
This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods (lecturing
Group discussions
And result analysis )
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presentation of the Syllabus | - |
| 2 | Molecular Biology and Its Chemical Foundations | Ch. 1- Ch. 2 |
| 3 | Protein Structure and Function | Ch. 3 |
| 4 | Techniques in Molecular Biology; Journal Club 1 | Ch. 4 and Ch. 5 |
| 5 | DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes | Ch. 5 and Ch. 8 |
| 6 | DNA Replication and Repair: QUIZ 1 | Ch. 5 |
| 7 | Transcription, RNA Processing and Gene Regulation | Ch. 9 and Ch. 10 |
| 8 | Midterm Exam | - |
| 9 | Translation and Protein Synthesis | Ch. 5 and Ch. 10 |
| 10 | Membrane Structure and Protein Trafficking | Ch. 7 and Ch. 13 |
| 11 | Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction | Ch. 15 and Ch. 16 |
| 12 | Cell Cycle and Apoptosis: QUIZ 2 | Ch. 19 and Ch. 21 |
| 13 | Molecular Dysregulation in Human Diseases: Journal Club 2 | Scientific papers |
| 14 | Journal Club Presentation | Scientific papers |
| 15 | General Review | - |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO301.1 | Course | Tuesday 09:00 - 11:50 | B F1.22 | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
| Day | Time | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 13:30 | Research Center | By appointment |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 13:00 | Research Center | |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 14:00 | Research Center |
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3
Quiz
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 2
In-term exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3
Journal Club Presentation
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 8
Activity and attendance
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 8
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture hours
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Home study
56 hours ⏳ (14 week × 4 h)
In-term exam study
14 hours ⏳ (2 week × 7 h)
Final exam study
21 hours ⏳ (3 week × 7 h)
Journal club presentation
6 hours ⏳ (3 week × 2 h)
Quiz preparation
8 hours ⏳ (2 week × 4 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [BIO301] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Oct 10, 2025 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| BIO301 | Molecular Biology | 3 | 0 | 6 | Tuesday 9:00 - 12:00 | |||||
| Prerequisite | NS103 | It is a prerequisite to | BIO312, BIO422 | |||||||
| Lecturer | Lejla Mahmutović | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Tuesday: 11:30-13:30 By appointment Wednesday: 10:00-13:00 Thursday: 11:30-14:00 |
|||||||
| lhalilovic@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | Understand the fundamental principles of molecular and cell biology Apply knowledge of chemical foundations Analyze protein structure and function Familiarize with essential molecular biology techniques Evaluate the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells Explore the molecular mechanisms of translation and protein synthesis Connect molecular biology principles to human disease Learn to read and interpret scietific papers |
|||||||||
| Textbook | Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Angelika Amon, Kelsey C. Martin. Molecular Cell Biology. W. H. Freeman & Company. ISBN: 978‑1464183393 | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods (lecturing, group discussions, and result analysis ) | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Presentation of the Syllabus | - | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Molecular Biology and Its Chemical Foundations | Ch. 1- Ch. 2 | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Protein Structure and Function | Ch. 3 | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Techniques in Molecular Biology; Journal Club 1 | Ch. 4 and Ch. 5 | ||||||||
| Week 5 | DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes | Ch. 5 and Ch. 8 | ||||||||
| Week 6 | DNA Replication and Repair: QUIZ 1 | Ch. 5 | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Transcription, RNA Processing and Gene Regulation | Ch. 9 and Ch. 10 | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Midterm Exam | - | ||||||||
| Week 9 | Translation and Protein Synthesis | Ch. 5 and Ch. 10 | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Membrane Structure and Protein Trafficking | Ch. 7 and Ch. 13 | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction | Ch. 15 and Ch. 16 | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Cell Cycle and Apoptosis: QUIZ 2 | Ch. 19 and Ch. 21 | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Molecular Dysregulation in Human Diseases: Journal Club 2 | Scientific papers | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Journal Club Presentation | Scientific papers | ||||||||
| Week 15 | General Review | - | ||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 40 | 1,2,3 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Quiz | 2 | 15 | 2 | Not Allowed | |
| In-term exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,3 | Not Allowed | |
| Journal Club Presentation | 1 | 10 | 8 | Not Allowed | |
| Activity and attendance | 1 | 5 | 1,2,3,8 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture hours | 3 | 15 | 45 | Home study | 4 | 14 | 56 | |||
| In-term exam study | 7 | 2 | 14 | Final exam study | 7 | 3 | 21 | |||
| Journal club presentation | 2 | 3 | 6 | Quiz preparation | 4 | 2 | 8 | |||
| 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 22/10/2025 | |||||||||