Molecular and Cell Biology I

Code:

MD1102

Acronym:

BCM I

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Mestrado Integrado
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master in Dental Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMD	88	PLANO OFICIAL 2007/2008 BOLONHA	1	-	6	90	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Molecular and cell biology has an increasingly important role in society and modern medicine. The main aim of this course is to provide the student with a solid scientific knowledge in the filed of molecular and cell biology .

 

The student must demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in the following areas:

 

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

 

DNA structure and function 

 

Genetic recombination

 

RNA Structure

 

Messenger RNA: Synthesis and processing.

 

Translation, Proteín structure and function.

 

Control of gene expression

 

Techniques and applications of molecular and cellular biology

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this course, the student should have theoretical knowledge and demonstrate ability to prepare and execute laboratory work as well as laboratory reports and and scientific seminars.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Theory:

The Cell: concepts and evolution. Universal characteristics of the cells. Eukaryote and procaryote cells.

DNA: structure and function. Genes and chromosomes. The Human Genome: Principal findings and future perspectives for medical practice. DNA Replication,mutation and repair. General Recombination and site-specific recombination. Mobile genetic elements and evolution. Structure and organization of Viruses.

RNA: Structure and function. rRNA, tRNA and mRNA . From RNA to Protein: Translation. Protein structure and function. Gene expression and mechanisms of control.

Stem cells and molecular genetic mechanisms that create specialized cell types . Molecular Biology techniques and its application in medicine.

Studying gene expression and function. Biological models of study in biomedicine.

 

Laboratory Classes

laboratory issues: Lab safety rules and optical microscope usage

Preparing samples for microscopy

Cell types Specialized techniques in microscopy

Introduction to the laboratory practice

Human DNA extraction, DNA electrophoresis, DNA Cloning and restriction enzymes

DNA amplification, PCR

 

Complementary learning: Analysis and discussion of the following articles:

Medical Ethics: Genetic Testing and Spinal Muscular Atrophy" By: Karen Norrgard, Ph.D © 2008 Nature Education -

"Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Transgenic Crops and Recombinant DNA Technology" By: Theresa Phillips, Ph.D © 2008 Nature Education -

"DNA Microarrays and Cancer" By: Laura Hoopes, Ph.D © 2008 Nature Education

Science case Studies: -  Breast Cancer Risk:Using Real Medical Histories to Rank Genetic and Environmental Influences by Michèle Shuster, Department of Biology, New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM and Karen Peterson, Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA © 2012 National Center For Case Study Teaching In Science -

Microarrays analysis in two cancer patients © 2012 The University of Utah

Mandatory literature

Bruce Alberts et al.; Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Science; 5 edition , 2008. ISBN: 0-8153-4110-5
Carlos Azevedo, Claudio Sunkel; Biologia Celular e Molecular, 5ª Edição, 2012, Lidel. ISBN: 978-972-757-692-0

Complementary Bibliography

Alberts Bruce 070; Essential Cell Biology. ISBN: 978-0-8153-4129-1
Cooper Geoffrey M.; The^cell. ISBN: 0-87893-220-7
Alberts Bruce 070; Molecular biology of the cell. ISBN: 0-8153-4072-9
Lodish Harvey; Molecular cell biology. ISBN: 0-7167-4366-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

Active learning

Software

Moodle

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
	Participação presencial		10,00
	Teste		45,00
	Trabalho escrito		20,00
	Trabalho laboratorial		25,00
	Total:	-	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Theory(T) and Continuous evaluation (C) : laboratory and complementary learning Theory : 1 test (two hours) Complementary learning : Laboratory work and reports, problem resolution, paper discussions. The student needs to score at least 9/20 as a minimal grade in each component (Theory and Continuous evaluation). The student must attend at least 75% of all classes and have a final mark of at least 10/20 to pass the course

Calculation formula of final grade

The Final grade is calculated using the following values: Theory (T) 45% + Continuous evaluation (C) 45% + class attendance (A) 10% The student needs to score at least 9/20 as a minimal grade in each component (Theory and Continuous evaluation). Students with class attendance obtained in the previous year or working outside the faculty are evaluated by a final exam scored for 20/20. These student must obtain a minimum classification of 10/20 to pass the course.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Actively participated lectures. Theoretical-practical-based problem solving and case studies.

Scientific articles discussion. Laboratory classes comprising lab experimental protocols,  practical exercises and laboratory reports.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

These students will be alowed to have alternative exam dates, in accordance with the law.

Classification improvement

It is obligatory to evaluate theory and laboratory components of the discipline.