Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Cell and Molecular Biology 2
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Send an email to make an appointment, only Wednesday from 14 to 16h to
Jennifer Olmos: jolmos@uic.es
Anna Vazquez: avazquezo@uic.es
Visits will not be accepted without appointment
Introduction
The cells are able to respond to different physicochemical stimuli due to a complex molecular system that governs that response. In this second part of Cellular and Molecular Biology we will see some of the most significant ways that cells have to communicate with the outside, as well as the importance of the cytoskeleton and the composition of the extracellular matrix play an important role in the regulation of these responses cell phones. In addition, this will serve to understand the mechanisms that cells have to interact with biomaterials. Finally, it will be important to know the fundamental basis of the most used techniques in Biology and put them into practice.
Pre-course requirements
The student must have successfully completed the subject of Cellular and Molecular Biology I (2nd semester)
Objectives
- To know the pathways in which tissue cells are able to communicate with other cells and with the outside
- To know cellular mechanisms that are involved in the response of external stimuli (cell-cell or cell-ECM / biomaterial)
- To know and use the main techniques and methods used in cell and molecular biology
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN02 - Associate the assessments and implantable materials with the variability in the expression of diseases and biological differences between sexes.
- CN05 - Recognise the anatomy and physiology applied to the structures involved in bioengineering.
- HB15 - Identify how bioengineering issues affect the specific needs or characteristics of men and women, in biological, social and cultural aspects, respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights as well as the values of a culture of peace and democratic values that include the promotion of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotyped language.
Learning outcomes of the subject
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Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Recognize osteoarticular, muscular, and neurological structures, identifying their morphology and defining their anatomical and physiological characteristics.
• Analyze the biomechanics of anatomical segments, identifying clinical parameters and using specific instruments.
• Identify orthopedic pathology and relate it to orthoprosthetic treatments.
• Identify radical surgical pathology of the musculoskeletal system, recognizing amputations and disarticulations along with corresponding orthoprosthetic treatments.
• Associate the importance of the extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and cytoskeleton in the biology of bone, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, integumentary, nervous, and sensory systems.
Syllabus
Methodology of characterization
- Basis of cell culture
- Isolation of nucleid acids and proteins
- Biomolecular methods: PCR, RT-PC, qPCR, southern, northern, agarose gels
- Immunological methods: ICC, IHC, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, WB
Introduction to cell interaction
Types of receptor-ligand interaction (cell-ECM/ cell-cell)
- Types of cell contacts (desmosomes, hemidesmosomes..)
- Types of membrane receptor and ligands (cadherins, integrins…)
Mechanisms of the cytoskeleton
- Cell adhesion to ECM and Biomaterials
- Cell spreading
- Cell migration
Basics of cell signaling and receptor types
Cellular functions dependent on cell-environment interaction
- Cell survival
- Cell proliferation
- Cell differentiation
- Protein synthesis
Immunological response to implanted biomaterials
- Acute inflammation
- Macrophage response
- Foreign body reaction
- Formation of fibrotic capsule
- Chronification of the inflammation
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course will be divided mainly into master classes and problems classes.
Eventually, the teacher could use the Moodle platform that could include various resources, such as forms, exercises, multimedia material ... that the student must complete to complete the subject.
Classes will be taught in Spanish, although students' questions will be answered in the language of their choice (Spanish, Catalan or English). The didactic material will be presented mainly in Spanish, although in some occasions, graphics, tables or schemes could be in English due to the sources from which they could be obtained.
Classes will be taught in English, although students' questions will be answered in the language of their choice (Spanish, Catalan or English). In addition, the student can choose to perform the exercises, assignments and exams in any of these languages. The teaching material will be presented mainly in English, with some exceptions (graphs, tables ...)
The list of ECTS credits and the workload in learning hours depending on the different methodologies that will be used. Each ECTS theoretical credit has 10 hours in which the teacher has a presence in the classroom. The rest of the hours up to 25 correspond to the load of directed and autonomous learning of the student. This last teaching load can be done through autonomous activities, group work that will be presented and defended in class or individual study necessary to achieve the learning objectives of the different subjects.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
First call exam:
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Participation / Problems (20%)
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Final exam (80%)
Important considerations
- Plagiarism, copying, or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Besides, in exams, it will mean the immediate failure of the whole subject.
- In the second-sitting exams, the maximum grade students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (grade with honors distinction will not be possible).
- Changes in 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.
Important considerations
- Plagiarism, copying or any other form of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the corresponding component.
- If academic dishonesty is detected during an exam, it will result in the immediate failure of the course, with no chance of resitting.
- The use of artificial intelligence tools for the completion of assessment activities is strictly prohibited, except where their use is expressly authorized by the lecturer as part of the activity.
- The use or possession of electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) during exams is strictly prohibited.
Mere possession, even if the device is turned off, will be considered an attempt to cheat.
- If this occurs during the first call, it will result in the automatic failure of the exam, and the student will be required to attend the second call.
- If it occurs during the second call, it will result in the definitive failure of the course, and the student must re-enrol in the next academic year.
- No changes to the academic calendar, exam dates or evaluation system will be accepted under any circumstances.
- Exchange students (Erasmus or others) and repeaters are subject to the same evaluation and attendance conditions as all other 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 27/05/2026 A09 10:00h