UCSCIBIO217.5 ECTSEnglishBachelor
Molecular Cell Biology II
Faculteit—
NiveauBachelor
Studiejaar2026-2027
Beschrijving
Course goals
Learning objectives
- summarize the main macromolecules and cellular structures and their roles in molecular cell biology.
- explain the fundamental molecular processes (gene regulation, DNA replication, protein sorting, cell signaling etc.) that govern principle cellular behaviours such as (but not limited to) cell division, differentiation and cell death.
- understand how the unifying themes above relate to general processes such as developmental biology, immunology, neurobiology and plant biology, and how they are implicated in disease.
- explain the principles underlying a selection of the most common laboratory research techniques used in life sciences, including basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. bacterial cloning, PCR, nucleic acid sequencing), basic cell biology techniques (immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, Western blot) and basic microscopy techniques.
- interpret standard graphs and images from these techniques.
- distinguish among these techniques to select one appropriate to answer a selected scientific questions.
- apply the obtained knowledge to solve simple scientific problems.
- critically read and interpret a scientific article.
- effectively communicate and work collaboratively with peers in the small group setting to successfully address problems sets in molecular cell biology and genetics.
- explain the relevance and ethical considerations of major developments in the field of molecular cell biology to our current society.
The final course grade is based on 5 elements:
Two written exams (open book) - 25% (exam1) and 30% (exam2)
The exams will be open questions that will test your understanding (rather than the facts) of the content and your ability to apply that knowledge to scientific problems and questions. (Learning objectives 1-7)
Paper analysis - 10% (alone or in pairs)
Students will perform an in depth paper analysis of an article that will be provided by the instructor. (Learning objectives 4,5,8,9)
Literature Review - 25% (alone or in pairs)
Students will write a proper literature review on a topic of their own choice. (Learning objectives 4,5,8,9)
Academic Attitude - 10%
This includes attendance, activity in homework quizzes, contribution to the many in-class discussions, quizzes and other exercises that promote a better understanding, critical thinking, application of the textbook material and taking agency of own learning and asking questions when you don’t understand. (learning objectives 1-7,9,10)
Content
This is the second in a series of three integrated courses in molecular cell biology. In the first introductory course (UCSCIBIO11), you gained a lot of basic knowledge about the fundamentals of the fundamental characteristics of life on earth. In this intermediate UCSCIBIO21 course, we will dive into the molecular world of the cell in more detail, focusing on the fundamental molecular processes (gene regulation, DNA replication, protein sorting, cell signalling etc.) that govern principle cellular behaviours such as (but not limited to) cell division, differentiation and cell death, in health and disease.
During the course, we will also touch upon the many aspects of a life scientists’ routine, such as experimental setup, understanding and analysing real scientific data and literature. Finally, you will learn to appreciate the relevance and ethical considerations of major developments in the field of molecular cell biology to our current society.
Format
Class sessions are comprised of interactive lectures, quizzes, discussions and exercises on relevant concepts and problems. In preparation for these interactive lectures, students are required to study the corresponding chapters of the course book 'The Cell, A Molecular Approach, by G.M. Cooper' and/or watch short, selected videos before coming to class.
To gain experience with primary literature, the students are asked to do an in-depth analysis of a paper from a prestigious journal by answering a list of questions on the paper. In addition, they will write a literature review which allows them to delve deeper into a topic of their own choice.
During the course, we will also touch upon the many aspects of a life scientists’ routine, such as experimental setup, understanding and analysing real scientific data and literature. Finally, you will learn to appreciate the relevance and ethical considerations of major developments in the field of molecular cell biology to our current society.
Format
Class sessions are comprised of interactive lectures, quizzes, discussions and exercises on relevant concepts and problems. In preparation for these interactive lectures, students are required to study the corresponding chapters of the course book 'The Cell, A Molecular Approach, by G.M. Cooper' and/or watch short, selected videos before coming to class.
To gain experience with primary literature, the students are asked to do an in-depth analysis of a paper from a prestigious journal by answering a list of questions on the paper. In addition, they will write a literature review which allows them to delve deeper into a topic of their own choice.
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