Cell Biology

BIO1033

Cells are the smallest living units. The course comprises cell structure and function.

The course covers the following topics: biomolecules, protein structure and function, cell membranes and intracellular compartments (organelles), cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, cell junctions, DNA and chromosomes, DNA replication and repair, the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, fertilization, cell aging, death and renewal, gene expression (transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression), protein sorting and transport, cell signaling, and basic molecular biology techniques.

Admission to the course follows the admission requirements of the study programme Joint Bachelor in Animal Science.

After completing the course, the student must have obtained:

Knowledge

The student will:

Have knowledge of cells as the smallest living unit;
Have knowledge about protein structure and function;
Have knowledge of the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of intracellular structures (organelles, biomolecular condensates, cytoskeleton);
Have knowledge of cell membranes and transport across membranes;
Have knowledge of cell junctions and extracellular matrix;
Have basic knowledge of the structure of muscle cells and the communication and function of the muscle tissue in movement;
Have basic knowledge of cell signalling;
Have basic knowledge of cell cycle and cell division, cell ageing and senescence, cell death, stem cells, tissue renewal and cancer;
Have basic knowledge of meiosis and fertilisation;
Have basic knowledge of transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression and intracellular protein sorting;
Be familiar with research and development work in cell biology;
Have competence to update their knowledge within cell biology.

Skills

The student must:

Be able to apply relevant theoretical knowledge to carry out simple laboratory exercises in basic cell biology methods and techniques under supervision;
Be able to reflect on their observations obtained after performing basic cell biology methods and techniques;
Be able to understand the general relationship between molecules, cells and tissues;
Be able to comply with the instructions for HSE in the laboratory.

General competence

The student must:

Have knowledge and understanding of the risks involved in working in a cell biology laboratory;
Be able to communicate results and theories in oral communication and written form, promoting good practice;
Be familiar with new thinking and innovation processes within the field of cell biology;
Know basic aspects of the regulations governing cell biology and biotechnology, and ethical considerations around these topics.

In addition to the semester fee and curriculum literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptop computer and a lab coat at his/her disposal.

Theory course, compulsory.

Lectures, as well as mandatory seminars, laboratory exercises, laboratory reports, and multiple-choice tests.

Absence from a session with mandatory attendance must be compensated with a written assignment and an oral test.

Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.

Compound assessment (SV). All parts of the compound assessment must be passed to receive a final grade in the course:

Written school exam (SK): 100% of the grade. Location: Campus Bodø. Duration: 4 hours. Norwegian grades A–F.

Written school exam (SK1): Multiple-choice test. Location: Campus Bodø. Duration: 1.5 hours. Grading: Passed / Not passed.
Coursework (AK): Reports from laboratory exercises. Approved / Not approved.

Compulsory participation (OD): Seminars and laboratory exercises. Approved / Not approved.

KJ103F Chemistry and Biophysics. Teaching language of the course is English.

Course language

English

Credits

7.5

Study location

Bodø

Responsible faculty

Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture

Course coordinator

Associate Professor

Terhi Hannele Kärpänen

terhi.karpanen@nord.no