BIO1300 Cell Biology and Biochemistry Course description

The course covers organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and certain topics in the general chemistry field. Students require basic knowledge of these topics as a basis for acquiring more advanced knowledge later in the programme. The different subject areas covered by the course overlap and it is emphasised that these must be seen in conjunction with each other.

The course consists of the following subject areas, specified below as the number of credits:

• Biochemistry 9,5
• Cell biology 4
• Organic Chemistry 3
• Microbiology 1,5
• Genetics 2

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student is capable of

• describing the structure, function and metabolism of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• giving examples of how factors relating to cell biology can affect health and disease
• describing the structure and reaction mechanisms of selected organic substances
• describing the structure and properties of important biological macromolecules
• describing the function of enzymes as biological catalysts
• describing principles of basic genetics and is familiar with the relationship between genetics and disease
• describing similarities and differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
• describing selected methods to determine biological macromolecules

Skills

The student is capable of

• using selected methods to determine biological macromolecules
• performing basic investigations to identify different bacteria
• determining the phenotype of certain blood types systems
• conducting basic gene technology analyses
• calibrating pipettes

Teaching methods include lectures supplemented by group work and practical laboratory exercises.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum of 90% attendance in practical laboratory work
• a minimum of 80% attendance in scheduled group work
• individual written test in organic chemistry, up to 2 hours
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual written exam, 5 hours

Book of tables and formulas in chemistry, calculator.

Grade scale A-F 

One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 20% of the exam papers. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining papers. The external examiner-s assessment shall benefit all the students.