Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Cell and Molecular Biology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Students can make an appointment with the teacher when they deem convenient through the email:
Miquel Bosch: miquelbosch@uic.es
Introduction
This course aims to address the molecular mechanisms of cell function as a fundamental unit of biology. It is a theoretical course of cytology oriented to basic scientific knowledge. It will deal in detail with the relationship between the structure and the function of the cell, its anatomical components (membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, internal organelle, etc.) and the main physiological processes (cell division, protein synthesis and transport, cell signaling, homeostasis, differentiation, cell death, etc.). The flow of genetic information through the replication, transcription and translation processes, as well as their corresponding regulatory mechanisms, will be explained. The subject will also give us an overview of the use of energy, communication of the cell with its environment, and tissue development, as well as the different experimental techniques in cellular and molecular biology. Finally, it is intended that the student become familiar with the scientific method, the search for scientific information and the interpretation of research articles
Pre-course requirements
Chemistry and Biochemistry from the first semester.
Objectives
The objectives of this course are:
- That the student acquires an integrated knowledge of the morphological structures of the eukaryotic cell, the molecular mechanisms of cell physiology, and of how cells interact with their environment.
- Explain the molecular mechanisms of the flow of genetic information and its regulation.
- That the student becomes familiar with the experimental methodology applied in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
- That the student acquires contact with the scientific literature, to able to understand and interpret the results presented in a scientific paper.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB1 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study based on general secondary education. This knowledge should be of a level that, although based on advanced textbooks, also includes some of the cutting-edge elements from their field of study.
- CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
- CE7 - To know how to recognise anatomy and physiology when applied to the structures Bioengineering involves.
- CG10 - To know how to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.
- CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
- CT5 - To use information sources in a reliable manner. To manage the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualisation of data and information in your specialist area and critically evaluate the results of this management.
Learning outcomes of the subject
By completing this course the student should be able to acquire basic scientific knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the structure and function of cells and the molecular mechanisms of the flow of genetic information. Must be able to solve the exercises and problems raised throughout the syllabus by using the necessary tools and methodologies. Likewise, the student must become familiar with the methodology applied in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and be able to understand and interpret the results presented in a scientific article.
Syllabus
PART I – Introduction to the cell.
Chapter 1 – Introduction to the course of Cell and Molecular Biology.
Chapter 2 – Introduction to the scientific method. Research projects in fundamental cell biology and its relationship with Bioengineering.
Chapter 3 – Universal characteristics of all cells. Universal dogma of the flow of genetic information.
Chapter 4 – Genomic diversity. Cell evolution. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Chapter 5 – Introduction to the internal organization of the eukaryotic cell. Core. Cytoplasm. Organelles.
PART II - Intracellular structures and functions.
Chapter 6 – Plasma membrane. Lipids and membrane proteins.
Chapter 7 – Transmembrane transport. Transporters and channels.
Chapter 8 – Endomembrane system. Endoplasmic reticle. Golgi apparatus. Exocytosis.
Chapter 9 – Protein trafficking. Endosomes. Endocytosis. Lysosomes.
Chapter 10 – Bioenergy: mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes.
Chapter 11 – Intracellular signalling. Receptors, ligands. Signalling pathways.
Chapter 12 – The nuleus. Nucleolus. Chromatin. Nuclear membranes. Two-way transport.
Chapter 13 – Cell cycle. Phases and control. Cancer.
Chapter 14 – Mitosis. Meiosis
Chapter 15 – Cell Death. Apoptosis.
PART III – Genetic mechanisms.
Chapter 16 – DNA, chromosomes, genome.
Chapter 17 – Replication, Repair, Recombination.
Chapter 18 – Translation. Ribosomes.
Chapter 19 – Gene expression control. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control.
PART IV – Extracellular interactions.
Chapter 20 – Cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix.
Chapter 21 – Cell differentiation. Tissues. Stem cells. Development.
Chapter 22 – Neurons. Morphology and physiology. Synapses. Plasticity.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
1. Magisterial classes.
2. Cooperative learning.
3. Preparation and realization of evaluable activities.
4. Autonomous study and exercise work.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Partial exam: 20 %
Submission of works: 25%
Final exam: 55%
It is essential to obtain more than 5.0 points in the final exam in order to pass the subject (not essential in the partial exam or the submitted works).
Important considerations:
- Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Besides, plagiarism during exams will mean the immediate failing of the whole subject.
- In the second-sitting exam, the maximum grade students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (grade with honors distinction will not be posible). In the second-sitting exams, the student will be able to keep the same grade for evaluatable works and partial exam to be averaged with the final exam, or can decide not to do it.
- Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted.
- Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subjected to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
Bibliography and resources
Alberts, B et al. Biología Molecular de la Célula. 6ª edición. Ediciones Omega 2016.
Lodish et al. Biología Celular y Molecular. 7ª edición. Editorial Médica Panamericana S.A. 2016.
Evaluation period
- E1 17/05/2021 P2A03 10:00h
- E2 17/06/2021 P2A02 10:00h