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.

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, bio-med-techno world.

Lectures and exercises.

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 Fronter.

Life: The Science of Biology (Volume 1, The cell and heredity, 10th edition, 2013)

The students must pass two sets of exercises to take the exam. Assignments covering various subjects discussed in the lectures will be posted on the course website. Additional classes will be scheduled for exercise reviews.

3 hours written exam of multiple choice questions counting 100%.

Lecture: 35 hrs. Problem solving and repetition: 25 hrs. Own activities: 90 hrs.

Special requirements in Science

Lectures: ca. 35 hours (2-3 hrs/week). The lectures will be coordinated with BIO130 (Microbiology) during some of the lecturing periods. Exercises (compulsory and other, accessed from Fronter). Work on exercises with solution suggestions. There will be a review of course material and a discussion of the syllabus at the end of the course.

The course could be revised.

The examiner will be involved in the revision and approval of the exam questions.