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 Canvas.

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

Science subjects in secondary school

Two (2) sets of mandatory assignments (mid-term tests). The tests will be uploaded on the course web site (Canvas) during the semester and must be submitted within the following 2 weeks. An adequate level of knowledge is required for passing and participation in the final exam.

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

Lecture: 35 hrs (2-4 hours per week). Exercises ca. 25 hrs. Own activities: 90 hrs.

Science subjects in secondary school

Lectures: ca. 35 hours (2-4 hrs/week). Electronic mid term exams: posted on the website (Canvas) with a 2-week period for answering. Anonymized results are analysed and discussed in the class (4h). Active learning exersices: 1-4 tasks per lecture.

The course could be revised.

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