MBV4230 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation
Course description
Course content
The course focuses on current understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic transcription factors. The aim of the first general part is to give the student an understanding of the main components of the eukaryotic transcription apparatus. Topics covered are: promoters, RNA polymerase II, general transcription factors and coactivators, the role of chromatin structure in transcription, elongation control and the mechanisms of gene activation, as well as nuclear organization. In the second part, specific transcription factors are discussed: homeodomain and POU families, bZIP- and HLH-families, zinc-finger families, the NFkB-family, nuclear receptors, the FOX- and Myb-family, STAT family, p53 and Rb to illustrate the connection between oncogenesis and transcription.
Learning outcome
After completing the course you are expected to have knowlegde about and an overview of the research front in subjects such as:
- understand central aspects of the complex structure and function of the transcription apparatus which regulates the expression of genes in eucaryotic cells.
- understand resent research the field of eukaryotic transcription.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Recommended previous knowledge
BIOS3900 – Biochemistry 2, BIOS4010 – Methods in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I, BIOS4020 – Methods in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry II or corresponding knowledge.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with MBV9230 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation (continued).
- 10 credits overlap with BIOS5912 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation.
- 10 credits overlap with BIOS9912 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation.
Teaching
- Lectures
- Seminars with a 15 minutes presentations of a scientific article for the other students
Examination
- Final written exam, 3 hours, which counts 100 % towards the finale grade.
This course has mandatory assignments that must be approved before you can sit the finale exam.
Optional oral exam depending on the number of participants. It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: MBV9230 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation (continued)
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 16, 2026 4:14:48 AM