8 ECTS credits
200 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1018066ANR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (A) Bachelor - preliminary level.
The course covers the description of 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:
- Using the light microscope (e.g. Köhler illumination)
- Being able to perform 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
- Introduction to biomedical research through participation in the Biomedical Research Week
- Basic knowledge for further histology and pathology courses
1) Cell Biology - The Cell: Structure, Function (and Analysis), Syllabus, VandenDriessche, VUB, *2220170009742* (printed or digital on Canvas)2) Audiovisual lesson recordings (Panopto) available on Canvas The PowerPoint presentations of the lectures and practicals are available on Canvas.Additional study material- Publications (for information and only the relevant chapters that are discussed during the lectures or practicals): Alberts B et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland 5th edition, 2014 (ISBN 9780815344643)
The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge on the structure and function of cells. This knowledge includes:
1. A concept about 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 must learn to think at the 'cellular level' and must demonstrate during the exam to be able to conceptualize the microscopic world and to analyze and understand the various cellular processes. On a practical level, students will need to to analyze and interpret microscopic images and to acquire hands-on experience in cell purifiucation tehcniques. The relationship between structure and function will be the main central theme.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 75% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 25% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The student’s knowledge will be evaluated by a compulsory written exam. The students will need to address questions, enumerations or 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 teamwork will be required, which together with the assignments, test and the written report will form the overall score of the practicals.
The active participation of the students in the compulsory practical courses will be assessed through assignments, test and the group assignment. This will contribute to 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, only a maximum total score of 9/20 for the 'The cell: Structure, function and analysis' course (theory and practical courses) can be obtained (i.e. failed exam). You can not pass the practical exam if you have not attended more than 2 practical courses, even with a doctor's note.
Unauthorized absence will result in a score of 0 for the particular lesson. The practical part (WPO, PRA) cannot be retaken in the second exam session. The partial result of this exam category (PRA) will be transferred to the second exam period. The partial result of this examen category (PRA) will be automatically transferred to the next academic year when a result of at least 10/20 is obtained. Students who want to give up this partial grade and retake the practicals have to send an email to the assistant(s).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Initial track (only offered in Dutch)