MABIO4110 Molecular Cell Biology Course description

The course forms a broad theoretical basis in biomedical subjects and comprises cellular communication, gene regulation and control of cell growth. It focuses on differences between normal conditions and various pathological conditions.

Students must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health and Technology - Specialisation in Biomedicine. The course is also offered as an individual course, with the same admission requirements as for the specialisation.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can explain cell proliferation and discuss different forms of cell death and carcinogenesis
• can account for cellular communication and biochemical signal transmission and explain how these processes are important to regulate cell division and cell death
• can describe different models of membrane transport in cells and discuss common features and differences between the models
• can explain how different types of cytoskeletons are built up and function, and discuss the regulatory roles of auxiliary proteins
• can explain gene regulation in detail and account for different epigenetic and post-translational modifications
• can describe molecular mechanisms for selected metabolic and endocrine diseases and cardiovascular and neurological disorders
• can account for different types of stem cells and discuss their potential application

Skills

The student

• can use cell biology to explain both normal cellular processes and selected pathological conditions and assess possible intervention strategies
• can reflect on ethical issues linked to research in molecular cell biology

General competence

The student

• can analyse, critically assess, summarise and disseminate scholarly articles in the field of molecular cell biology
• can explain selected diseases at a molecular level and in a global epidemiological perspective
• can update their knowledge in the field of molecular cell biology

Work and teaching methods include lectures, digital resources, seminars with oral student presentations and discussions, group work and self-study.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• presentation of a research article, individually or in groups of 3-6 students

Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours.

The paper can be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

None.

Grade scale A-F

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

The course is offered as an individual course. Admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in medical laboratory sciences, pharmacy, biotechnology, chemical engineering or molecular biology.

10 credits overlap with MABIO4100 Molecular Cell Biology