Cellular and Molecular Biology

Instance: 2020/2021 - 1S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Teaching language

Objectives

Introductory remark:

Cell and Molecular Biology is the science of cell structures and functions that, in an organized fashion, contribute to maintain them alive and to perform their functions. 
Following the evolution of classic cytology to the biology of the cells, the progressive analytical and technological ability antedated biomolecule isolation and the clarification of a variety of their functions and interactions. This trend favored a natural evolution into cell molecular biology.

A sign of the recent evolution is the power of molecular biology methods that departing from single cells or organisms, take only a short time to collect huge quantities of biological information that is stored in fast growing databases. They make up genomics, proteomics, matabolomics and other omics, while foresee in the future the hard task to unveil their functional meaning.

In parallel, these data lead to species recataloging, transgenics preparation, gene selective inactivation or activity enhancement; there are even new cells created. It is a new world, even more remarkable by its subtleness, intriguing by its complexity and more demanding, conceptually and ethically.
Beyond the evolution in knowledge, Cell and Molecular Biology developed an applied branch, Biotechnology, directed to society needs. Cell and Molecular Biology techniques were optimized and adapted for on demand or large scale application in the production of biomolecules and the creation of genetically modified organisms.

In situ, however, cells are differentiated entities, adapted to organism’s economy. The functions they perform, their own and those resulting from the interaction with the environment - tissues, organs, organisms and the external environment -, lead to the refinement of their structural organization. It optimized to efficiently transform food into nutrients. And these, upon uptake and guidance inside cells, are stored or converted into skilled cellular work.

These views and the intrinsic value of Cell and Molecular Biology within Life Sciences, are good enough reasons for it to be part of a Nutrition and Food Science graduation course.

Aims of the Curricular Unit

As to contents, it is expected that students will learn in an integrated way:

1. The diversity of cells and techniques employed in their study;
2. The properties of membranes, particularly cell membrane;
3. The structural and molecular organization of the nucleus and the main processes taking place there;
4. The synthesis, processing and destination of proteins and other biomolecules;
5. The cytoplasm organelles and their functions;
6. The pathways for reception and processing of signals from the milieu;
7. The cell cycle and the mechanisms of cell differentiation, ageing and programmed death.

As to attitudes and aptitudes of the students, the aims are:

1. To raise or stimulate the joy to study beyond the class subjects, using textbooks, published articles, selected Internet sites and other media.
2. To educate in the search for the truth, employing and developing observation and description techniques.
3. To incite to science research and encourage objectivity.
4. To modulate the diffusion of acquired knowledge, rewarding the correct and concise use of language.

Learning outcomes and competences

Integrated knowledge on molecular processes leading to production and use of biomoleculesin cells and organisms, particularly those having major nutritional value.

Ackowledgement of Food Science as the basic arm of Clinical Nutrition.

Understanding of molecular processes underlying :

Working method

Program

Brief summary:

Cell Biology in Life Sciences; Molecules of Life; Cell Biology Techniques; Types of cells, virus and prions; Structural and molecular organization of membranes; Transport across membranes; Structural and molecular organization of the Nucleus; DNA Replication and Repair; RNA transcription and processing; Protein synthesis and processing; Control of Gene expression; The cell cycle; Cytoskeleton; Cell traffic of membranes; Peroxysomes, Mitochondria and plasts; Cell surface and signalling; Gametes and fertilization; Cell differentiation; Cell Ageing and Apoptosis. Cancer
(A more comprehensive description of the programme may be found in Summaries of specific classes).

Mandatory literature

Complementary Bibliography

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical classes:
Last 50 minutes; they review the subject and so additional personnal study is necessary.

Practical classes:
Last 2h to demonstrate matters discussed in theoretical classes, using a text as guide. They have compulsory frequence. Activities include observation of microscopical slides and electron microscope photos. In some classes, experiments will be carried out or some Cellular and Molecular Biology techniques will be demonstrated. There will be presentation and resolution of biological problems.  There will also be a continuous evaluation in these classes.

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

Practical classes are compulsory. The student obtains frequency at the course unit if he does not exceed the limit of absences corresponding to 25% of the practical classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

First evaluation period:

The evaluation consists of two tests and a continuous evaluation.

The tests have a global quotation of 17 points ​​(8.5 points ​​each); the first will be held in the middle of the semester and the second in the first evaluation period of exams. Each test has a duration of 75 minutes and will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions, 5 True / False answer questions, 1 problem, 1 essay question and 1 group of short answer questions (the type of questions composing the test may be altered). In each of the multiple choice questions, any student may check more than one answer; however, every wrong answer implies a 25% discount of the value of a right answer. In the other questions there are no discounts. 

It is necessary to obtain 1.5 points ​​in the 1st test to be admitted to the 2nd. Lower scores at any test imply an immediate transition to the second evaluation period.

The continuous evaluation will have a maximum quotation of 3 points. It will be done in the practical classes in loco and will consist of multiple choice questions that will have 5 answers, of which only one will be correct; more than one answer to each question can be used, however, every wrong answer implies a 25% discount of the value of a right answer. T

 The continuous classification will be valid in the two academic years following its accomplishment, a criterion similar to the frequency of the practical classes.

Second evaluation period:

It is composed by the final exam, to be carried out at the second evaluation period of exams (17 points) and by the classification of the continuous evaluation (3 points), as described for the first evaluation period. The final exam will last 100 minutes and comprises 40 multiple-choice questions, 5 True / False answer questions, 2 problems, 2 essay questions and 1 group of short answer questions (the type of questions composing the final exam may be altered). In each of the multiple choice questions, any student may check more than one answer; however, every wrong answer implies a 25% discount of the value of a right answer. In the other questions there are no discounts. 

 
The final calculation of the classification:

Includes the sum of the results of the two tests or the classification of the final exam to which the value of the continuous evaluation is added. Approval implies final calculation of 10 points or more.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students enrolled in the curricular unit who do not require compulsory attendance of the practical classes can perform 2 mini-tests, each with a score of 1.5 points, alternatively to continuous evaluation. These components cannot be subject to evaluation at  evaluation or special periods (completion of study cycle, for students with special status or conditions).

Classification improvement

The continuous evaluation component is not subject to upgrade of classification. The final grade will be calculated according to the  formula described above.

Observations

Compulsory Language of Teaching : Portuguese. English, in the case non-portuguese speaking students are admitted and upon recommendation from the FCNAUP Board.

Schedule for students apppointment: fridays, from 2 to 3 p.m. Previous contact is advised.