Molecular Cell Biology

Teaching semester

Spring

Objectives and Content

The student should acquire knowledge about composition and function of the eukaryotic cell and its chemical components. The students should also acquire insight into elementary cell physiology and understand the function of cells in various tissues.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has broad knowledge of cell structure and the chemical components in a cell
• has broad knowledge of the function of the cell nucleus, and how DNA is replicated, transcribed and how genes are regulated
• has broad knowledge of the structure of different membrane systems in the cells and their respective function
• has general knowledge of mitochondria and the other organelles in a cell
• has general knowledge of the cytoskeleton
• has broad knowledge of how cell division is regulated
• has basic knowledge of genetics and inheritance
• has general knowledge of histology
• has general knowledge of physiology with a focus on the cell membrane
• is familiar with the distribution of water in the body
• is familiar with the terms: solute, water solution and colloidal suspension
• has good knowledge of the composition of blood plasma regarding proteins and ions
• has good knowledge of membrane transport, diffusion, osmosis, osmotic pressure, tonicity
• has knowledge of structure and function of aquaporins
• has broad knowledge of cell volume regulation
• has knowledge of structure and function of ion channels
• is familiar with the term membrane potential
• has broad knowledge about structure and function of the extracellular matrix
• has good knowledge about the in vivo biosynthesis of nitrogen monoxide (NO)
• knows the mechanisms of action of nitroglycerin and sildenafil (Viagra)

Skills

Candidate:

• can use professional knowledge to assess biochemical and cell biological methodology
• is familiar with different types of cell arrangements/structures in tissues
• can find, assess and evaluate written scientific literature and present it in a coherent manner to illustrate a relevant problem
• can manage and use light microscopy to perform histological analyses

General comptetence

Candidate:

• can convey central knowledge in cellular structure, function and regulatory mechanisms
• can exchange views and experiences with others in the subject area
• is familiar with different areas of research in cell biology

Access to the Course

Master`s programme in Pharmacy and Bachelor in Human nutrition.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

Lectures, question times and histology course (approx. 60 hours in total). In addition are organised and partly led colloquium groups. The course is of 7-8 weeks duration.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Participation in the histology course is mandatory. Laboratory journals have to be approved before students can take the final exam. The students are encouraged to attend lectures and colloquium groups.

Forms of Assessment

4 hour written exam.

Examination Support Material

Simple, bilingual dictionary, that must be reviewable, meaning that one of the languages must be English, or a Scandinavian language.

Grading Scale

A-F

Subject Overlap

MOL100 (2sp), MOL201 (5sp), MOL202 (5sp)

Course Evaluation

Written evaluation using electronic/digital evaluation tool.