Cell Biology, basic course

The course is a basic course included in the Bachelor's programmes in Biology and Molecular Biology. The course is also offered as a freestanding course.

Department of biological and environmental Science

The course is the first course in a basic block in Biology/Molecular Biology of 60 credits and gives basic knowledge in cell biology. The course begins with an introductory week which gives a brief overview of biology, biodiversity, as well as biological experiments and field studies. The course is then divided into two parts. The first part gives basic knowledge about the most important types of molecules in a cell, cell membranes, cell compartmentalization, and cell energy metabolism and photosynthesis. The second part covers the basic structure and functions of cells within Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, the role of the cells as a building block in multicellular organisms, and cell signaling. This part also includes the diversity, classification, and ecology of prokaryotes.

After completing the course, the student is expected, at a basic level:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe the origin and development of life.
• explain the main types of molecules and their properties.
• describe the structure and function of biological membranes.
• desceibe cell compartmentalization and organelles.
• explain energy metabolism and photosynthesis in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• explain the biodiversity and ecology of prokaryotes.
• explain the structure and organization of cells in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• explain the cell’s role as a building block in multicellular organisms.
• describe signal and information flow within and between cells.
• describe basic principles of scientific methodology.

Competence and skills

have some knowledge and skills in:

• cell biological methods
• bioinformatic methods
• analyze and discuss results from experiments.
• be able to assimilate course books at advanced level.

Judgement and approach

• have an increased ability to reflect on their own study techniques.

The course is based on lectures, experimental and bioinformatic laboratory sessions, as well as group discussions. The course also includes generic skills in study techniques.

Language of instruction: swedish and english.

The examination consists of two written exams. Compulsory components of the course are generic skills (study techniques) as well as laboratory sessions and other group exercises as specified in the course schedule. The number of occasions for mandatory components is limited. For students who do not pass the regular examination, additional examination opportunities are offered. The possibility to supplement failed compulsory parts can be given at the earliest during the next course date and only in case of a vacancy.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).
If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.
If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.
If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For Pass (G) on a course module requires at least 60% of the total score on the exam and Pass with distinction (VG) requires 85%. For Pass the whole course also required approved result on all other examination parts. For a final grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) for the entire course, VG is required on both exams

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

The course substitute to some extent BIO105, 15 credits, and Cell Biology, 15 credits, within BIO150. BIO900, BIO105, and Cell Biology within BIO150 can not be included in the same degree there one is based on the other.