Cell biology aims to give students an insight into the current perception of life and life processes, starting with the main building block of all life, the cell - hence the term cell biology. With the cell as a starting point, students will partly move down towards the molecular and atomic level, and partly up towards the cell in a «social» context, where one will study specialized tissues and organs.

The block forms the basis so that the student after completing the course will master the following «Day one skills» by EAEVE: 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.7

Content

• biochemistry
• molecular cell biology
• elements of anatomy,
• elements of physiology
• elements of genetics

Cell Biology in relation to future courses:

The cell biology block touches into a number of topics that comes later in the programme - in varying scope and level of detail. The basic understanding of cellular, genetic and biochemical processes are essential for studying physiology, anatomy, nutrition, general pathology, pathophysiology, pharmacology / toxicology, microbiology, hematology / clinical laboratory diagnostics, reproductive physiology and internal medicine and food hygiene.

After completion of the courses, the students should:

• Have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills in cell biology, including biochemistry, genetics, genetic engineering, histology with cytology and embryology, to embark on the various clinical and para-clinical courses in the veterinary programme.

• Understand how the cell works as a unit, and be able to describe the cell's structure and function on a molecular and atomic level and up to the cell's context in specialized tissues and organs.

• Understand how a cell and its cytoskeleton are built, how cell membranes are assembled, the various functions proteins may have, and how molecules and proteins are transported across the cell membrane or into organelles.

• Understand how cells communicate with each other, how molecules outside of a cell can cause signaling inside the cell, and how the signaling results in a change in protein function and/or gene expression.

• Have detailed knowledge of the structure of biological polymers such as carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids, as well as a number of other molecules of great importance for cellular function, including vitamins, lipids, etc.

• Be able to give a detailed description of how living organisms acquire the energy necessary to sustain life processes, and how a number of metabolic reaction sequences are structured and regulated / adapted to the organism's variable needs.

• In broad terms be able to explain the embryological development of tissues and apply this knowledge to understand how the different tissues contribute to the development of the organism's basic form.

• Be able to explain the microscopic structure of cells and tissues of mammals, birds and fish, and to identify the various cells and tissues in the light microscope.

• Have acquired sufficient basic knowledge of the flow of information from DNA to protein and the basic principles of heredity in order to use modern techniques in basic medical research and veterinary medicine.

• Have developed an ethical awareness about biotechnology, biomedicine and bio-production.

• Have gained an understanding that working with chemicals can cause health hazards as well as the necessity to show hygienic care.  
• Have learned to collaborate through colloquiums and group work, and be able to present academic material both in writing and orally.

Teaching methods and approaches

With the cell as a starting point, students will partly move down towards the molecular and atomic level, and partly up towards the cell in a «social» context, where one will study specialized tissues and organs. Around 220 hours are dedicated to teaching, of which 50-60 hours are used for the laboratory course. Organized teaching in colloquiums are also used. A seminar on bioethics is arranged.  

Learning materials

Recommended literature and detailed description of the course are found at the block's home area on Canvas. 

Recommended previous knowledge

Based on the terminology established in animal biology

Biology 1 and 2 (formerly 2BI/3BI) are recommended, but not required.

Compulsory teaching and programme requirements:

There are 15 laboratory courses; 6 in biochemistry, 7 in micro-anatomy and 2 in embryology. The courses are mandatory. This means that students who are absent without a valid reason and loose more than 2 courses, must complete these prior to approval of the examination.

Students must attend mandatory evaluation as well as presentation colloquiums. If the student has valid absence, the missing colloquiums may be replaced by a written assignment that must be submitted before the student can take the exam.

Test Examination (trial exam)

There will be a test exam. Students are encouraged to attend this.

Examination

6 hour written final exam 

Examination support material: None

Grading scale: A-F

The students must buy a labcoat

HMS

Biochemistry laboratory: Work routines for the biochemistry laboratory has been developed. First aid supplies as well as a safety shower and eye bath are available in the laboratory. It is mandatory to use a lab coat and goggles and fume hood when handling hasardous chemicals. Specific rules are in place for disposal of chemicals/biological materials. Use of hasardous chemicals in the laboratory course have been greatly reduced in recent years.

Students are given relevant info/training before they start working in the biochemistry laboratory. They are also shown in practice how chemicals/biological material and wastes are to be handled.