6 ECTS credits
180 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1018024ANR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (A) Bachelor - preliminary level.
The course covers a number of techniques that are commonly used in cell biology. The course gives an overview of the structure and function of the cell and its various components. Cellular processes such as membrane transport, synthesis, uptake, secretion etc. ... are discussed. Central to the course is the relationship between the structure and function of the cell.
The practical courses are mandatory and consist of:
- Use of the light microscope (e.g. Köhler illumination)
- Performing histological staining on cryosections
- Understanding of the techniques used for making histological sections
- Making a group assignment, consisting of a written report and an oral presentation
- Understanding of the techniques used for cell isolation and cell purification from cell suspensions and tissues
- Basic knowledge for further histology and pathology courses
Powerpoint presentations of lectures and practical sessions are on Canvas.
Supplementary material: Publications (for information and only the relevant chapters that were addressed during lectures or practical courses): Alberts B et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland 5th edition, 2008 (ISBN 978-0-8153-4111-6)
Note: The synopsis is NOT a replacement of the course material or the lectures. Hence, it is not sufficient to only study the synopsis for the exam. It is only a tool to be able to process the course material in a better way and to better consolidate the information.
The aim of the course is to gain basic insight into the structure and function of cells, including
1. Insight into the structure and function of organelles and their functional relations, their integration in the overall construction of the cell
2. The study of cellular processes, including synthesis, secretion, membrane transport, etc
Knowledge and skills at the end of the course: students are able to think at the 'cellular level' and demonstrate the ability to conceptualize the microscopic world and to analyze and understand the various cellular processes. On a practical level, students know how to analyze and interpret microscopic images and to acquire hands-on experience in cell purifiucation tehcniques. Students understand the relationship between structure and function.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 75% of the final mark.
PRAC Lab Work determines 25% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Lab Work category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The student’s knowledge will be evaluated by means of a compulsory written exam. Students will need to fill in blanks, give lists and answer multiple choice questions. The examination during the second session will be written only. For a part of the practical courses, an oral presentation of the project based on group work will be required, which together with the assignments, tests and the written report will form the overal score for the practicals.
During the lectures, a formative exam will be taken, which provides insight in the type of questions asked during the written exam. The corrected exam will be handed back to the student, so he/she can see what will expected from them. The quotation is only indicative and will not be taken into account for the final grade. Additionally, there is an example of exam questions available on Canvas.
The active participation of the students in the compulsory practical courses will be assessed through assignemtns, tests and the group assignment. This will count towards 25% of the final score; 75% of the score will be based on the written exam. If the final score of the practical courses is less than 8/20, students can obtain no more than 9/20 for the 'The cell: Structure and function' course (theory and practical courses), i.e. they fail. You cannot pass the practical exam if you were absent on more than two practical courses, even with a doctor's note.
Unauthorized absence at the WPO leads to a result 0 on that part of the WPO task. The WPO component (PRA) cannot be resumed in the second session. The partial result for this exam component is transferred to the second session.
The partial result of the WPO component is automatically transferred to the following academic year when a result of at least 10/20 is obtained. Students who want to give up this partial grade and therefore want to retake the WPO component, send an e-mail for this to the assistant.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Medicine: Standard track (6 years) (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Medicine: Initial track (6 years) (only offered in Dutch)