Molecular Cell Biology II (2025/2026: Semester 2 – Spring)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:

Learning objectives
  1. summarize the main macromolecules and cellular structures and their roles in molecular cell biology.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. interpret standard graphs and images from these techniques.
  6. distinguish among these techniques to select one appropriate to answer a selected scientific questions.
  7. apply the obtained knowledge to solve simple scientific problems.
  8. critically read and interpret a scientific article.
  9. effectively communicate and work collaboratively with peers in the small group setting to successfully address problems sets in molecular cell biology and genetics.
  10. explain the relevance and ethical considerations of major developments in the field of molecular cell biology to our current society.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:

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)

Vakinhoudelijk

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.

Werkvormen

UCU SCI 2 course

Toetsing

Academic Attitude

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Literature review

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Paper analysis

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Exam 1

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Exam 2

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er moet voldaan zijn aan de cursus:

Voorkennis

[UCSCIBIO11] Molecular Cell Biology1 must be passed with at least a D average for the three exams in the course. Recommended courses: [UCSCIBIO13] Human and Animal Biology and [UCSCICHE11] Introduction to Chemistry.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven
  • Kritisch lezen
  • Onderzoeksvaardigheden
  • Samenwerken

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    The Cell: A Molecular Approach, International 8th Edition, Geoffrey M. Cooper, 2019, Oxford University press, ISBN: 9781605358635. Hard copies of the book are strongly recommended, since electronic devices are not allowed in the open book exams.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. P.J.E.C. Wijchers p.j.e.c.wijchers@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. M.A. Döke PhD m.a.doke@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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