Advanced Cell Biology (BIO515)
Advanced cell biology covers the understanding of how cells operate and collaborate in multicellular organisms. The subject covers various cell phenomena such as cell signaling and cell transport, as well as how cells grow and move. The subject is taught in a "flipped classroom" model, where you focus on understanding the syllabus and group work in the lessons we have in common. Experimental techniques commonly used to study human cells will be explored, and the course also includes a hands-on lab focusing on human cell techniques.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
BIO515
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by January 20th for the spring semester.
Cells are small and soft with only a thin membrane protecting them from their surroundings, yet together they form complex constructs such as a human body. Most of the cells in multicellular organisms are organized into cooparative assemblies called tissues, which in turn are organized into organs. In this subject we explore how cells interact in complex structures such as tissues and rely on extracellular matrix and vasculature to sustain their viability. The course will focus on how dysfunction of the cells can lead to disease, especially focusing on cancer. Experimental techniques commonly used to study human cells will be explored.
Learning outcome
- The students will have good knowledge of the hierarchy of cells in multicellular organisms and the interplay that exist to keep them growing in an orderly fashion.
- The students will get specialised knowledge about which processes can be dysregulated to cause disease and how we can study these using different cell model systems.
- The students will aquire skills in rendering of scientific litterature, make and perform oral presentations to their peers and how to write a scientific project proposal using scientific writing skills.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exam | 1/1 | 2 Weeks | Letter grades | All |
Coursework requirements
The course relies on active student engagement and includes the following mandatory elements:
- Contribution to the group work is mandatory. Two different group assignments shall be presented and assessed: approved / not approved. Approved assignments are required to be able to qualify for the written exam.
- Scheduled teaching hours: 80% attendance is required to be able to qualify for the written exam.
Course teacher(s)
Course teacher:
Hanne Røland HaglandHead of Department:
Ingunn Westvik JolmaCoordinator laboratory exercises:
Julie NikolaisenCourse coordinator:
Hanne Røland HaglandMethod of work
The course will be taught using flipped-classroom and blended learning focused on student engagement and active learning. Students will work in groups through the different topics in the scheduled teaching hours. The group assignments will be presented orally for the rest of the class on a given topic.
There will be a practical lab exercise where students will learn and experience how to work with human cell lines and perform experiments using these.