The complex exercise “SARS-CoV-2” encourages students to apply their knowledge of genetics for gaining a better understanding of viruses and the challenges of our time. 

The exercise explores what viruses are, how they reproduce, and how they change.

The complex exercise is tailored to require 90 minutes of work time.

Proposed solutions and references to the following competencies are included:

-        The students know genes contain instructions for protein synthesis, and they are familiar with the molecular mechanisms responsible for realizing these instructions.

-        I can describe and compare the molecular structure of DNA and RNA.

-        Using examples, I can illustrate how genetic information is converted into specific characteristics.

-        I can describe the main steps of protein synthesis.

-        I can name and describe different types of mutations, and I can compare them with regard to the extent of their impact on an organism.

General Competencies:

-        I can purposefully extract information from written sources.

-        I can reproduce acquired knowledge in a structured, coherent, selective way, and in a manner suitable to the audience.

-        I can verbally present an object/process adhering to spatial/temporal criteria of order ( describe).

-        I can make (a) fact(s) or circumstance(s) clear by describing the involved elements and pointing out causal correlations between them ( explain).

-        I can display similarities and differences of circumstances, objects, organisms or processes in a verbal (or tabular) manner ( compare).

-        I can give judgement by myself that is based on facts and logical conclusions ( evaluate).

-        I can use models to give justified statements on biological phenomena.