MBV9230 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation

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 in the field of eukaryotic transcription.
  • Expertise in conveying a subject by giving a presentation for other participants on the course.

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

BIOS3900 – Biochemistry 2, BIOS4010 – Methods in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I, BIOS4020 – Methods in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry II or corresponding knowledge.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

  • Lectures
  • Seminars with a 15 minutes presentations of a scientific article for the other students. As part of the teaching, all PhD candidates will hold an individual presentation of a scientific article for the other participants on the course.

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.

An individual presentation of a research article must be approved before the 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: MBV4230 – Eukaryotic Transcription Factors - Structures, Function, Regulation (continued)

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. 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

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 6, 2026 6:45:46 AM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

The course is last held autumn 2020

Examination
Autumn .

Examination is last held autumn 2021

Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Biosciences