NUCLEIC ACIDS AS CARRIERS OF GENETIC INFORMATION – A NEW INTERDISCIPLINARY LESSON INCLUDED IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OF A BULGARIAN LANGUAGE PREPARATORY COURSE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

Abstract

In this article, we will present a new interdisciplinary lesson "Nucleic acids as carriers of genetic information", developed in the Natural Sciences Section of the Department of Language and Specialized Training at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The lesson is intended for foreign students from the preparatory course at the Department. We already have extensive experience and in order to immediately adapt to changing conditions, we always prepare the lessons in such a way that we can apply them, both for face-to-face and distance learning. Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are one of the four main organic chemical compounds that are essential for the normal development of the organism. The topic is shown in the educational programs of chemistry and biology. These heterobiopolymers are of exceptional importance, both for chemistry and biology. And in this sense, the topic is suitable for an interdisciplinary lesson. Nucleic acids are synthesized naturally in living organisms only. They are carriers of hereditary information and consist of monomers linked in long chains. The structure, main functions and their participation in three main genetic processes of replication, transcription and translation are presented in detail. As in every lesson, here we start with a presentation. The various tables, drawings, and pictures represent the structure of nucleic acids, nucleotides and the chemical bonds between them. On the one hand, the curricula are tailored so that the newly acquired knowledge is the basis for the training of students in the upper courses. On the other hand, the teaching is tailored to the fact that the language knowledge of the students is not at the required level. The new terms are accompanied by illustrations and schemes and are presented at a level accessible to the students. When the presentation is over, each student receives a questionnaire on the topic to which he/she must give answers. The questions are also tailored to the language level of the students. This is already an established methodology in the Natural Sciences Section, which helps students to maintain their attention, actively understand the specifics of the lesson and more easily find the answers. The new additional approach for better assimilation of new knowledge is the development of presentations on homework topics. Students are grouped into groups of three and present their own presentation. During the implementation of the presentation, students actively use additional information on the Internet and this deepens their knowledge of the topic. After presenting their own developments, the others ask them questions and a very useful discussion ensues, which confirms the new knowledge even better.