Cellular Biology

Code:

EBE0202

Acronym:

BIOCEL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2019/2020 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Microscopy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Bioengineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIB	134	Syllabus	1	-	6	70	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

In this Curricular Unit (UC), it is intended that the student:
1. Acquire the basic principles of cell biology, microscopy and histology;
2. Understand cellular diversity;
3. Understand the structure and function of the various cellular components and be able to apply these basic fundamentals to the functional dynamics of cells.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Describe the fundamental principals cellular biology;
2. Apply these principals to current biological questions and therefore be able to follow future developments of science in the area of Cell Biology;
3. Develop a deeper understanding of cell structure and how it relates to cell functions;
4. Develop observation skills to be able to identify the main types of cells and tissues in histological sections and recognise the various cellular structures in electron microscopy images. 

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Cell Biology: definition, aims and evolution.
2. Characterisation and cellular diversity.
3. Microscopy and study models in Cell Biology.
4. Description of cellular strutures and organelles:
- biological membranes
- glycocalix
- cytoskeleton and related structures: microtubules (cilia and flagella), microfilaments and intermediate filaments
- nucleus: nuclear envelope and nuclear pore transport, chromatin and chromosomes
- nucleolus and the synthesis of ribosomal RNA
- endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi apparatus
- lysosomes
- mitochondria and chloroplasts
- peroxisomes
- intercellular junctions
- extracellular matrix
5. description of major cell chemical processes:
- chemical components of the cell: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
- DNA replication and transcription, RNA splicing, ribosomes and protein synthesis
6. Description of main cellular functions:
- Cell motility
- Cell cycle and division: mitosis, meiosis and cytokinesis
- Gametes and fertilization
- Programmed cell death (Apoptosis)
7. Basics of histology: the integration of cells into tissues.

Mandatory literature

Alberts Bruce; Molecular biology of the cell. ISBN: 978-0-8153-4105-5
Cooper GM, Hausman RE ; The Cell: A Molecular Approach, 2013. ISBN: Sixth Edition
Gartner LP, Hiatt JL ; Color Textbook of Histology, 2007
Young B, Woodford P, O'Dowd G ; Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 2013
PAULO ABRAHAMSOHN; Junqueira & Carneiro: Histologia Básica, PAULO ABRAHAMSOHN, 2017

Teaching methods and learning activities

Exposition of the theoretical programmatic contents supported by audiovisual media and debate of the same, singularizing the role of Engineering in the investigation in Cell Biology.

Practical laboratory component dedicated to the execution of microscopy techniques, observation of histological sections stained by various techniques of optical microscopy and diagnosis of transmission electron microscopy images.

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Cell biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Molecular biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Histology

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	104,00
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Total:	156,00

Eligibility for exams

Presence in at least 75% of practical classes.
Situations of exception foreseen in UP legislation will be contemplated.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification will correspond to 75% of the theoretical exam grade plus 25% of the practical exam grade. The approval of both components, practical and theoretical, will imply obtaining a classification equal to or higher than 9.50 values. Only students who have obtained attendance at the UC can access the exam. Access to a theoretical exam implies previous approval in the practical exam. Only students who obtain a grade equal to or higher than 9.50 values ​​will be considered approved. Students who do not pass the practical exam are taken directly to the appeal period. Students who pass the practical exam, but who do not obtain a minimum grade in the theoretical exam, their practical grade will be carried over to the appeal period if they wish, as well as to special periods of the current academic year. However, the grades of the practical component will not be carried over between school years. Students who have obtained attendance at the UC, but who do not, however, pass the final appeal exam will keep the attendance for just one more academic year, respectively the consecutive one.

Examinations or Special Assignments

They are not foreseen.

Internship work/project

It is not foreseen.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According to the UP rules in force.

Classification improvement

Repeat the exam at the time of appeal. Students who intend to maintain the practical grade can do so. However, if they present themselves to the exam the previous grade will lose validity and the that they obtain will be valid.

Observations

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the closure of UPorto's facilities, the curricular unit (UC) teaching model went from a face-to-face model to an online model. The UC evaluation will maintain the practical and theoretical components. However, the practical component will be evaluated by online mechanisms and will no longer have a mandatory minimum score while the theoretical component will be processed in person. Note that the student will need to obtain the final grade of 9.5 values ​​to be approved to UC. The method of calculating the final grade remains the same. Regarding students, who for reasons considered valid by the Course Committee and the ICBAS Pedagogical Council are unable to attend during the normal season or during the appeal season, they may take a special in person season exam in September according to UPORTO guidelines, kepping the grade of the practical exam.