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Molecular Cell Biology I (2025/2026: Semester 1 – Fall)

Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:

explain the major structural characteristics of the macromolecules, membranes and organelles and how this is related to their function.
describe the general mechanisms and concepts by which cellular behaviour is regulated, i.e. growth, cell division, development, metabolism, responses to internal and external signals.
have a basic understanding of, and can work with, the basic principles of inheritance at the molecular, cellular and organismal level, including the relationship between genotype and
phenotype in parents and their offspring, as well as its implication in biology and medicine.
describe, compare and contrast, the general mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and mRNA translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
explain the theory and practice of recombinant DNA technological techniques, such as PCR, cloning, DNA sequencing and DNA microarray

Relationship between assessment and learning goals:

In this course, the final course grade is based on six elements: three written exams, a reflective essay, presentation and active class participation.
1. Written in-class exam 1: this tests your knowledge and understanding of the main macromolecules and lipids and cellular components and how this is related to their function. What are the concepts and principles of communication in response to internal and external signals. The inner workings of cells and their organelles as well as the understanding of the basic chemistry of metabolism and the way cells harvest and use energy is tested as well. This is covered in unit one of the course (course goal 1 and 2).
2. Written in-class exam 2: this tests your knowledge of, and ability to work with, the basic principles of inheritance. How this relates between different generations and what are their implications in biology and medicine. Your knowledge of DNA replication, transcription and mRNA translation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes is tested. This is covered in unit two of the course (course goals 2, 3, and 4)
3. Written in-class exam 3: this tests your knowledge of, and ability to work with various molecular biological techniques (e.g. DNA sequencing and PCR) as well as the implications in society of these. This is covered in unit three of the course (course goals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
4. Presentation: You will give a presentation on an interesting topic of your choice in the field of molecular cell biology. This short presentation should, amongst others, show your ability to be able to present the essence, relevance and background of the topic. You will also give feedback to presentations using pitch to peers. (course goal 6)
5. Active class participation: The class participation grade is build on the following components: You should actively participate in class as discussions in science are very important to find solutions to problems and to practice the material. The number of classes that you have missed. Peer feedback on the presentations class preparations including homework questions.

Vakinhoudelijk

This course is an introduction to the fundamental characteristics of life on earth. All organisms are composed of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells. Cells are the basic building blocks of life and their properties can be explained in physical and chemical terms. Cells interact with the environment: they take in raw materials and energy and convert these to biologically useful products required for survival and reproduction. Genetic information in the form of DNA encodes the cellular repertoire of proteins and is transmitted from one generation to the next. This genetic information thus determines (sub-) cellular structures and activities. Mutation and recombination of genetic material, however, cause genetic variation that enables evolution by natural selection. As a result of evolution, our earth is inhabited by nearly thirty million different species of organisms! This course focuses mainly on what all those organisms have in common.

Format

Class meetings (appr. 60 hours)
The course covers approximately 210 hours. During the semester about twenty interactive introductions of about 45 minutes are given on the main topics. The introductions give a broad overview of the topic and also discuss the relations between the topics. After each introduction, they are challenged to work with the acquired knowledge through computer-based learning or essay questions.
Self study (appr. 100 hours)
Besides attending the introductions, students study the corresponding chapters of the course book in advance. In these chapters students may find extensive descriptive texts, illustrations, useful examples, and study questions. ‘
oral presentation (appr. 30 hours)
Students also give an oral presentation on a biological topic using Pitch to Peer. The presentations are subject to peer assessment. The presentation must give evidence of students’ ability to gather relevant information from biological handbooks and other resources, and to analyse a biological topic critically.

Werkvormen

UCU SCI 1 course

Toetsing

Academic Attitude

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Students need at least a D average for the three exams to qualify for any follow-up course at level 2.

Presentation

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

midterm FEEDBACK

Niet verplicht

Exam 1

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Exam 2

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Exam 3

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

Substantial secondary school knowledge of biology is required. This could be acquired in IB HL Biology, Dutch VWO biology, A-level biology (UK), AP level biology (USA and Canada) or a final exam in Biology in any other high school qualification. If you have not taken any of these, but you think you are sufficiently prepared based on another qualification, you need to apply for course admittance. Otherwise, consider taking the UCSCIBIO01 course which does not require prior knowledge.

Voertalen

Engels

Competenties

Academisch schrijven
Onderzoeksvaardigheden
Presenteren
Samenwerken

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

BOEK

Campbell Biology plus MasteringBiology with Pearson eText, Global Edition, 12/E. Campbell Neil A, Urry Lisa A, Cain Michael L, Wasserman Steven A, Minorsky Peter V, Reece Jane B. 2020. Pearson. ISBN/EAN 9781292343150. For UCSCIBIO11, the 11th edition would also be fine, but any student planning on taking UCSCIBIO13 at some point should buy the 12th edition with the exact ISBN number as specified so the e-Text and online learning environment (MasteringBiology) are included.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. G.S.A.T. van Rossum

G.S.A.T.vanRossum@uu.nl

Docenten