Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Cell Biology I

Cell Biology I
6
13467
1
First semester
FB
BIOLOGY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dr. BOSCH PITA, Miguel - miquelbosch@uic.es

Students can ask any question regarding the course and the content, or set an appointment with the coordinator or directly with any of the teachers, via the email.

Teaching staff:

  • Course coordinator, magisterial classes, case methods: Miquel Bosch: miquelbosch@uic.es
  • Magisterial classes and case methods on development: Andrea Santuy Muñoz: asantuy@uic.es
  • Laboratory teacher: Eva Rojo: erojo@uic.es

Introduction

The cell is the basic functional unit of all living beings. Cell biology is responsible for the study of cells and their properties: their structure, their functions, their composition, heir life cycle, and their interaction with the environment and with other cells in the development of multicellular tissues. This course is complemented with the knowledge from the areas of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Histology and Physiology.

Pre-course requirements

Previous scientific training (highschool level), including: 

  • Knowledge of the bases of biochemistry (types of biological molecules, -DNA, RNA, proteis, etc.-, and their basic regulation and structure). 
  • Knowledge about the basic processes of the regulation of biological information (transcription, translation, etc.). 
  • Knowledge about the chemical and physical bases of life (concept of pH, concentration gradients, etc.).

Objectives

  • Identify cellular structures, cellular organelles and know their function and biological relevance.
  • Understand the process of protein synthesis and trafficking.
  • Understand the general processes of intracellular signalling, and bioenergy production.
  • Understand the concept of mitosis, meiosis and tissue development. 
  • Understand how the chemical phenomena produce the biological phenomena.
  • Understand and assess the applicability of cellular models in biomedicine.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CE01 - To have a comprehensive overview of the structure and function of the cell, as well as intra and extracellular communication and its regulation through the main routes of cell signalling, in developing adult individuals.
  • CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
  • CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
  • CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
  • CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
  • CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
  • CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
  • CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
  • CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
  • CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
  • CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
  • CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
  • CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
  • CT12 - To apply scientific method.
  • CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
  • CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, the student:
  • Know the structure and composition of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
  • Knows the structure and function of animal cells, and acquires an integrated view at the molecular, structural and functional levels of cellular structures.
  • Understand and properly use scientific terminology and concepts used in the field of cell biology.
  • Search, organize and effectively communicate scientific information.
  • Develop a critical spirit.
  • Train the ability to discuss complex concepts and present hypotheses.

Syllabus
  • Lecture 1 – Presentation. Introduction to Cell Biology. Scientific method.
  • Lecture 2 - The cell. Universal features. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Lecture 3 - Plasma membrane. Membrane lipids and proteins
  • Lecture 4 - Case method 1 - Cell evolution. Viruses and extraterrestrial life.
  • Lecture 5 - Transmembrane transport. Transporters and channels.
  • Lecture 6 - Intracellular signalling. Receptors, ligands. Signaling pathways.
  • Lecture 7 - Case method 2 - Problems and hunt game on transport and signalling.
  • Lecture 8 - Endomembranes I. Endoplasmic reticulum.
  • Lecture 9 - Endomembranes II. Golgi apparatus.
  • Lecture 10 - Endomembranes III. Vesicular transport. Endo-exocytosis.
  • Lecture 11 - Case method 3 - Problems about protein trafficking and endomembranes.
  • Lecture 12 - Nucleus. Membrane and nuclear transport. Nucleolus.
  • Lecture 13 - Case method 4 - Problems and review.
  • Lecture 14 - Bioenergetics: mitochondria, peroxisomes.
  • Lecture 15 - The cell cycle.
  • Lecture 16 - Case method 5 - Cytoskeleton.
  • Lecture 17 - Embryonic development I.
  • Lecture 18 - Case method 6 - Cell junctions.
  • Lecture 19 - Embryonic development II.
  • Lecture 20 - Case method 7 - Meiosis. Germ cells and fertilization.
  • Lecture 21 - Differentiated cells and tissue maintenance.
  • Lecture 22 - Case method 8 - Cell death. Apoptosis.
  • Lecture 23 - Cell-based therapies.
 
  • Lecture 1 – Presentation. Introduction to Cell Biology. Scientific method.
  • Lecture 2 - The cell. Universal characteristics. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Lecture 3 - Plasma membrane. Lipids and membrane proteins
  • Lecture 4 - Case method 1 - Cell evolution. Viruses and extraterrestrial life.
  • Lecture 5 - Transmembrane transport. Transporters and channels.
  • Lecture 6 - Intracellular signaling. Receptors, ligands. Signaling pathways.
  • Lecture 7 - Case method 2 - Exercises and gymkhana on transport and signaling.
  • Lecture 8 - Endomembranes I. Endoplasmic reticulum.
  • Lecture 9 - Endomembranes II. Golgi apparatus.
  • Lecture 10 - Endomembranes III. Vesicular transport. Endo-exocytosis.
  • Lecture 11 - Case method 3 - Problems on protein trafficking and endomembranes.
  • Lecture 12 - Case method 4 - Problems and preparation for the midterm exam.
  • Lecture 13 - Case method 5 - Problems and exam review.
  • Lecture 14 - Bioenergetics: mitochondria, peroxisomes.
  • Lecture 15 - Case method 6. Nucleus. Membrane and nuclear transport. Nucleolus.
  • Lecture 16 - Cytoskeleton.
  • Lecture 17 - Cell junctions and extracellular matrix.
  • Lecture 18 - Case method 7 - Problems and exercises on the cytoskeleton.
  • Lecture 19 - Cell cycle: mitosis and meiosis.
  • Lecture 20 - Embryonic development.
  • Lecture 21 - Case method 8 - Problems and exercises on the cycle and development.
  • Lecture 22 - Differentiated cells and tissue maintenance.
  • Lecture 23 - Case method 9 - Cell death. Apoptosis.
  • Lecture 24 - Problems and preparation for the final exam.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • Lecture class 
  • Team work 
  • Individual work 
  • Debate 
  • Public presentation

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The total grade of the subject will be calculated as follows:

Students in first and second call: 

  • 20% Midterm exam. 
  • 15% Laboratory sessions participation, attitude, and laboratory test. 
  • 20% Preparation, participation and attitude in case methods. The score will be the average of each session and/or each submitted work.
  • 45% Final exam (1st or 2nd call). It is necessary to pass this exam with >5.0.
  • Up to 0.5 additional points in case of an excellent participation and attitude in magisterial lectures, case methods or lab sessions (contribution of interesting ideas or posing of pertinent questions that help to improve the quality of the session).

Repeating students in third or fourth exam calls: they will do the final exam of each call that will count 65% of the final grade and that will averaged with the laboratory sesions grade (15%), and preparation of the case methods (20%) obtained in the first announcement. Whenever they wish, the students can repeat the attendance to the laboratory practices and case methods (and/or repeat the midterm exam) to obtain a new grade; in this case, the student must comunicate it to the coordinator in advance.

 

Important points to keep in mind regarding attendance:

1) Attendance to laboratory practices is mandatory. In case the student cannot attend a given session, a justification must be sent to the course coordinator in advance. Non-justified non-attendance means an automatic failure of the course.  

2) Attendance to magistral lectures is not mandatory, but advisable. 

3) Atendance to case methods is not mandatory, but higly advisable. In case the student cannot attend a given session, a justification should be sent to the course coordinator in advance. The grade for the case methods will be the average of each of the sessions (assignment, presentation or exam). The non-delivery of any of these activities will result in a zero in the evaluation of that session, which will be averaged with the rest of the sessions.

 

Important points to keep in mind regarding evaluation: 

1) To pass the course, it is necessary to meet these two conditions: a minimum grade of 5.0 must be obtained in the final course grade, and a minimum grade of 5.0 must be obtained in the final exam (first or second call). 

2) The exams will be a combination of questions with short written answers, and test type questions (with 4 answer options, the correct anwer counting +1 points, the incorrect answers counting -0.25 points, and the no-answer counting 0 points). 

 

Bibliography and resources

In english:

  • Alberts B. et al., Essential Cell Biology. Fourth edition (2013), or fifth edition (2018). Garland Science.
  • Alberts B, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th edition. Garland Science, 2015.
  • Lodish H, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 7th edition Macmillan Learning, 2013 (8th edition, 2016).

En español:

  • Alberts B. et al., Introducción a la Biología Celular, 3ª edición, Editorial Médica Panamericana SA, 2011
  • 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

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 15/01/2025 A16 14:00h
  • R1 30/01/2025 11:00h
  • E2 19/06/2025 A04 09:00h
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