BIO100 Cell Biology

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Sheona Noemi Innes

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:250

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:

125 hours

Lecture: 35 hrs (2-4 hours per week). Exercises and self study is expected to account for 90 study hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course is in the autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel.

About this course

The lectures cover the following topics: 1. A general overview of the basic chemical/physical principles regarding cell biology. 2. A general survey of the structure, function and organization of an eukaryote cell and its cell organelles. 3. The composition of the cell membrane and its main tasks and functions related to (a) transport across membranes and between the various membrane systems in the cell, (b) energy transformation in mitochondria and chloroplasts, and (c) signal transmission/communication in and between cells, including signaling molecules and receptors as well as electrical signaling. 4. The flow of information in cells from DNA to protein synthesis. 5. The dynamics of the cell cycle and cell division. 6. The composition and functions of the cytoskeleton in cell architecture, transport, movement and cell division.

Learning outcome

The course includes central aspects of cell biology. It builds on the insight that the properties of life emerge when nucleic acids and other molecules are organized in a cell enclosed by plasma membrane. Multicellularity subsequently arose form single cells through cellular specialization. Students will first learn the physico-chemical basis (atoms, molecules, macromolecules) and the structural organizational principles of cells (membranes and organelles). With this knowledge at hand, students can understand how cells work, how they get energy, transport molecules, communicate with other cells, and cycle through different states during cell division. An important learning outcome is the flow of information from DNA to proteins, and how cells regulate these processes. Students will also gain insight into, and appreciation for cell biology research, which forms the knowledge base of all life science areas (nutrition, health, medicine, ecology, animal and plant science). Overall, the course will give students the ability to comprehend biological information in general, which is an important life skill in the modern, biotechnological and biomedical world.

Learning activities
Lectures and active learning groups that meet every other week. During the active learning groups student groups of 4 will solve exercises and submit a written assignment. Assignments will be evaluated and student will get feedback to improve learning outcomes. Teaching assistants will support the students during the active learning groups. Assignment evaluation will account for 40% of the final grade.
Teaching support
Supervision in connection with lectures. Support in connection with problem solving (web-based feedback). Office hours when lecturer my be consulted, either in the office or over Canvas. The best ration student to teacher will be at the offered active learning groups (5 students per group).
Additional digital learning resources such as simulations, videos an quizzes will be offered through the course website (Canvas).
Prerequisites
Science subjects in secondary school, and if missing the students are expected to read up to cover the gap.
Recommended prerequisites
Science subjects in secondary school, and if missing the students are expected to read up to cover the gap.
Assessment method
3 hours written exam of multiple choice questions accounting for 60% of the final grade.The collective evaluations of all assignments will account for 40% of the final grade.

Written exam Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids Written hand-ins Grading: Letter grades
Examiner scheme
The examiner will be involved in approval of the exam questions and evaluation.
Mandatory activity
Two (2) sets of mandatory assignments (term tests). The tests will be uploaded on the course web site (Canvas) during the semester and must be passed within the following 2 weeks. An adequate level of knowledge is required for passing and participation in the final exam.
Participation in exercises and a maximum of six (6) written assignments from exercise groups. Each student group submits one assignment per exercise which will be evaluated. The collective evaluations of all assignments will account for 40% of the final grade.
Notes
The course could be revised.
Teaching hours
Lectures: ca. 35 hours (2-4 hrs/week). Electronic exams: posted on the website (Canvas) with a 2-week period for answering. Active exercises. Selv study with text book and digital learning ressources.
Admission requirements
Science subjects in secondary school