Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Cell Biology I
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Students can ask any question regarding the course and the content, or set an appointment with the coordinator or directly with any of the teachers, via email.
Teaching staff:
- Course coordinator, magisterial classes, and case methods in the first part of the course: Miquel Bosch: (miquelbosch@uic.es)
- Magisterial classes and case methods in the second part of the course: Andrea Santuy Muñoz (asantuy@uic.es)
Introduction
The cell is the basic functional unit of all living beings. Cell biology is responsible for the study of cells and their properties: their structure, their functions, their composition, and heir life cycle, as well as their interaction with the environment and with other cells in the development of multicellular tissues. This course is complemented with the knowledge from the areas of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Histology and Physiology.
Pre-course requirements
Previous scientific training (highschool level) is recommended, including:
- Knowledge of the bases of biochemistry (types of biological molecules, -DNA, RNA, proteis, etc.-, and their basic regulation and structure).
- Knowledge about the basic processes of the regulation of biological information (transcription, translation, etc.).
- Knowledge about the chemical and physical bases of life (concept of pH, concentration gradients, polarity, etc.).
Objectives
- Comprehend what is the eukaryotic cell, and how it works, especially the human cell.
- Identify cellular structures, cellular organelles and know their function and biological relevance.
- Understand the processes of protein synthesis and trafficking, of intracellular signalling, and bioenergy production.
- Understand the concepts of cell division, cell death, and tissue development.
- Understand how the chemical phenomena produce the biological phenomena.
- Understand and assess the applicability of cellular models in biomedicine.
- Comprehend and apply the scientific method, reflection and critical thinking.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Define the structure and function of the cell, as well as intra and extracellular communication and its regulation through the main routes of cell signalling, in both developing and adult individuals.
- CN02 - Recognise the molecular foundations that explain transcriptional and post-transcriptional phenomena in eukaryotes in their adult state and during their development, as well as the basic genetic principles that define the basis of genetic inheritance.
- CN03 - Have a general overview of the diversity of micro-organisms and their impact on human life.
- CN15 - Identify analytical and experimental methodologies used in the field of Biomedical Sciences, whether they be established or cutting-edge.
- CP01 - Interpret basic biological concepts and the specific language of biomedical sciences in health, both in their native language and English, by applying autonomous learning.
- CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.
- HB01 - Interpret basic data obtained in the biomedical research laboratory, identifying consistent and inconsistent elements, both individually and in a team.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- Know the structure and composition of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
- Knows the structure and function of animal cells, and acquires an integrated view at the molecular, structural and functional levels of cellular structures.
- Understand and properly use scientific terminology and concepts used in the field of cell biology.
- Search, organize and effectively communicate scientific information.
- Develop a critical spirit.
- Train the ability to discuss complex concepts and present hypotheses.
Syllabus
- Lecture 1 – Presentation. Introduction to Cell Biology. Scientific method.
- Lecture 2 - Thecell. Universal features. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Lecture 3 - Case Method 1 - Cell evolution. Viruses and extraterrestrial life.
- Lecture 4 - Plasma membrane. Membrane lipids and proteins
- Lecture 5 - Transmembrane transport. Transporters and channels.
- Lecture 6 - Case Method 2 - Problems and hunt game on transport and membranes.
- Lecture 7 - Endomembranes I. Endoplasmic reticulum.
- Lecture 8 - Endomembranes II. Golgi apparatus.
- Lecture 9 - Endomembranes III. Vesicular transport. Endo-exocytosis.
- Lecture 10 - Case Method 3 - Problems on protein trafficking and endomembranes.
- Lecture 11 - Case Method 4 - Intracellular signalling. Receptors, ligands. Signaling pathways.
- Lecture 12 - Nucleus. Membrane and nuclear transport.
- Lecture 13 - Case Method 5 - Problems on protein trafficking and exam preparation.
- Midterm exam.
- Lecture 14 - Bioenergetics: mitochondria, peroxisomes.
- Lecture 15 - Cytoskeleton.
- Lecture 16 - Cell junctions and extracellular matrix.
- Lecture 17 - Case Method 6 - Extracellular matrix and facial cosmetics.
- Lecture 18 - Cell cycle: mitosis.
- Lecture 19 - Cyclins and cancer.
- Lecture 20 - Meiosis and sexual reproduction.
- Lecture 21 - Case Method 7 - Problems on mitosis and meiosis.
- Lecture 22 - Embryonic development I.
- Lecture 23 - Case Method 8. Morphogens.
- Lecture 24 - Case Method 9 - Cell death. Apoptosis. Experimental techniques.
- Lecture 25 - Principles of Histology.
- Lecture 26 - Epithelial, connective and specialized tissues.
- Lecture 27 - Case Method 10. Problems on Histology.
- Lecture 28 - Differentiated cells and tissue maintenance.
- Lecture 29 - Case Method 11 - Problems and preparation for the final exam.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
- Lecture class
- Team work
- Individual work
- Debate
- Public presentation
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The total grade of the subject will be calculated as follows:
Students in first and second call:
- 20% Midterm exam.
- 25% Preparation, participation and attitude in case methods. The score will be the average of each session and/or each submitted work.
- 55% Final exam (1st or 2nd call). It is necessary to pass this exam with >5.0.
- Up to 0.5 additional points in case of an excellent participation, interest and attitude in magisterial lectures and case methods (contribution of interesting ideas or posing of pertinent questions that help improving the quality of the session).
Repeating students in third or subsequent exam calls: they will do the final exam of each call that will count 75% of the final grade and that will averaged with the grade of the case methods (25%) obtained in the first call. The midterm exam will not be taken into account, unless the student request it before the final exam. Whenever they wish, the students can attend the magistral lectures and/or repeat the case methods to obtain a new grade, and/or repeat the midterm exam to obtain a new grade; in these cases, the student must comunicate it to the coordinator in advance.
Important points to keep in mind regarding attendance:
1) Attendance to magistral lectures is not mandatory, but advisable.
2) Atendance to case methods is not mandatory, but higly advisable. In case the student cannot attend a given session, a justification should be sent to the teacher in advance. The grade for the case methods will be the average of each of the sessions (assignment, presentation or exam). The non-delivery of any of these activities will result in a zero in the evaluation of that session, which will be averaged with the rest of the sessions. Some sessions involve a deliverable work during the session; not assisting and not delivering the work implies a grade of zero for that session.
Important points to keep in mind regarding evaluation:
1) To pass the course, it is necessary to meet these two conditions: a minimum grade of 5.0 must be obtained in the final course grade, and a minimum grade of 5.0 must be obtained in the final exam (first or second call).
2) The exams will be a combination of questions with short written answers, and multiple choice type questions (with 4 answer options, the correct anwer counting +1 points, the incorrect answers counting -0.33 points, and the no-answer counting 0 points).
Bibliography and resources
In english:
- Alberts B. et al., Essential Cell Biology. Fourth edition (2013), or fifth edition (2018). Garland Science.
- Alberts B, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th edition. Garland Science, 2015.
- Lodish H, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 7th edition Macmillan Learning, 2013 (8th edition, 2016).
En español:
- Alberts B. et al., Introducción a la Biología Celular, 3ª edición, Editorial Médica Panamericana SA, 2011
- 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 14/01/2026 A16 14:00h
- E2 18/06/2026 A16 09:00h