The main objective of this course is to provide the student with the basic fundamentals of Cell and Developmental Biology, namely:

The morpho-functional characteristics of the eukaryotic cell: elementary components of cells in their morphological, molecular and functional aspects.

The basic methods for the study of the cell.

The organelles, the cell cycle and the biological significance of the processes of ageing, cell death and cancerous transformation.

The morpho-functional aspects of gene transmission, regulation and expression.

The communication processes of the cell with its environment: adhesion, extracellular matrix and signalling pathways.

The processes of cell reproduction and development, as well as those of cell division, cell death, growth and maintenance of the differentiated state.



The knowledge imparted in this subject will be also used in the following subjects of the degree:

- Human Anatomy

- Applied Biophysics and Biochemistry

- Human Anatomy

- Biomaterials

- Human Physiology

- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

- Human Physiopathology

- Micro-Nanobiotechnology

- Biomedical Equipment

- Biomedical Image Processing

COMPETENCIES/LEARNING RESULTS FOR THE SUBJECT



GENERAL COMPETENCIES

G003-Knowledge in basic and technological subjects, which enable to learn new methods and theories, and provide versatility to adapt to new situations.

G004-Knowledge for the realization of measurements, calculations, assessments, appraisals, expert reports, studies, reports, task planning and other similar work.



TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCIES

T001-Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision making, creativity and critical reasoning, respecting the principles of universal accessibility and design for all people.

T002-Ability to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills and abilities.

T003-Ability to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.

T006-Ability to behave ethically and professionally, respecting human and fundamental rights, as well as democratic values and the principles of gender equality.

T007-Capacity for cooperation and teamwork.

T009-Capacity for autonomous learning and recognize the need for continuous training.



SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

M03FM01-Knowledge of cell biology and its methods of study, general cytology, cell cycle and developmental biology.



LEARNING OUTCOMES

RAG3-The graduate will be able to describe the basic functioning of the human body at the cellular, histological, metabolic, physiological and anatomical levels, as well as the effect that the most relevant pathologies have on it.

RAG9-The graduate will be able to perform measurements, calculations, valuations, appraisals, appraisals, surveys, studies, reports or similar work in the field of biomedical engineering.

RAG13-The graduate will be able to identify the problems and needs of the health sciences that can be solved with technological solutions.

RAT1-The graduate will be able to solve problems with initiative, decision making, creativity and critical reasoning.

RAT2-The graduate will be able to communicate ideas, knowledge and developments orally and in writing in English.

RAT3-The graduate will be able to work constructively in a team.

RAT5-The graduate will be able to behave ethically and professionally, respecting human and fundamental rights, as well as democratic values and principles of gender equality.

RAT6-The graduate will be able to acquire new knowledge and skills, recognizing the need for continuing education.

THEORY PROGRAM

Topic 1. Introduction to cell biology. Cell types.

Topic 2. Eukaryotic cell evolution.

Topic 3. Methodology for the study of cells.

Topic 4. From cell biology to histology. The extracelullar matrix of different tissues.

Topic 5. The nucleus. Structural organization.

Topic 6. Regulation of gene expression and Cell differentiation.

Topic 7. The cell cycle.

Topic 8. DNA stability and Carcinogenesis.

Topic 9.The plasma membrane.

Topic 10.Transmembrane transport.

Topic 11.The Endoplasmic reticulum.

Topic 12.The Golgi apparatus and Vesicular trafficking.

Topic 13.The endolysosomal system.

Topic 14.The cytosol. Protein degradation and aggregation diseases.

Topic 15.Mitochondria and Peroxisomes.

Topic 16.Cell metabolism and the aging process.

Topic 17.Cell death: Apoptosis and necrosis.

Topic 18.The cytoskeleton.

Topic 19.Cytoskeletal filaments and Cellular movement.

Topic 20.Cell adhesion and junctions. Mechanobiology.

Topic 21.Cell communication.

Topic 22.Biology of Reproduction.

Topic 23.Developmental biology and Stem Cells. Stem Cell Hierarchy.

Topic 24.Stem Cells and Regenerative medicine.



CLASSROOM PRACTICALS

1. Cell types and viruses.

2. Microscopy techniques.

3. Methodology for the study of Cells and Tissues.

4. The nucleus. Problems and Exercises.

5. Transmembrane Transport. Problems and Exercises.

6. Intracellular compartments and metabolism.

7. Cell communication. Problems and Exercises.

8. Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering.



LABORATORY PRACTICALS

1. Handling of the Optic Microscope. Stainings.

2. Introduction to Histology. The ECM of different Tissues.

3. Cell nucleus and Kariotype.

4. Cell division: Mitosis and Meiosis.

5. Cytoplasmic Organelles by OM and EM.

6. Cell death: Apoptosis and Necrosis.

7. Review of learning objectives.

8. Microscopy Exam.

Some of the competences of the subject make explicit reference to the learning of theoretical concepts and identification of cellular structures, whereas other competences have a more applied and/or transversal nature. Therefore, the subject is designed to develop each and every of these diverse competences. Different learning modalities and assessment methodologies are implemented to reach those specific goals, such as:



-Regular lectures and two partial exams to evaluate the learning of theoretical and technical contents about cells and their relationships.

-Classroom practical exercises and one integration exam to evaluate team-work performance and the application of theoretical concepts to solve different biomedical problems related to cellular function.

-Laboratory practicals and microscopy exams to show the skills in handling the optic microscope and the identification of cellular structures by multiple microscopy techniques.



The subject implements a method of continuous evaluation, because it comprises diverse evaluation items and none of them counts more than 50% of the final mark. The students will receive continuous feedback of their performance by partial exams, in-classroom corrected exercises, and oral presentations distributed all along the course, the goal here being to be able to identify possible weaknesses during the learning process and address them promptly, in time to introduce the corresponding and necessary improvements.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 20
  • Multiple-Choice Test (%): 20
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 30
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 10
  • Microscopy practical exam (%): 20

The subject implements a method of continuous evaluation, where the final grade will be calculated in the following way: partial exams (20% each: 40% total), integration exam (30%), microscopy exam (20%), classroom practical exercises and assignments (10%). In order to pass this course, it is compulsory to pass (minimum mark 5/10) each and every of the aforementioned evaluation items. In the case of failing any compulsory assessment part, the maximum mark that can be obtained in the subject is 4 points out of 10 (4/10), after making the average of all items. Bonuses may apply to reward an active involvement and participation in the proposed activities, and satisfactory completion of the microscopy practicals’ notebook. Detailed information on assessment criteria will be provided with the Student’s guide.



Every student has the right to leave the continuous evaluation system and demand instead to be assessed by a single Final evaluation scheme (Article 8.3 of assessment regulations in UPV/EHU1). However, because this subject comprises both theoretical and practical competences, this final exam has necessarily to be complex and composed of different parts, involving not only written tests (single-choice, integration, etc.), but also a microscopy laboratory part. Therefore, students taking this option should expect this final exam to last longer than just a couple of hours, because it would have to be developed in different phases and venues.



Student wanting to exercise this clause has to make sure to communicate it to the teachers making a written statement, during the first 9 weeks of the course (Article 8.3 of assessment regulations in UPV/EHU1).



In case of non-attendance to assessment activities by health or other reasons, you keep the right to demand the call not to be counted in your academic record, and appear as “not presented” instead. This clause can be easily exercised by simply not attending on the final assessment date (covering the second partial exam + integration exam), as stated in Article 12 of assessment regulations in UPV/EHU1.



1 Regulations governing the assessment of students in official degree courses in UPV/EHU.

Web page: https://www.ehu.eus/es/web/estudiosdegrado-gradukoikasketak/ebaluaziorako-arautegia

Two calls will be issued every year. In case of failing in the ordinary call, the next extraordinary call will be under the format of final evaluation, where any of the compulsory assessment items (integration, microscopy, etc.) which had been failed in the first call would have to be repeated.



In the case of having already passed some of the compulsory assessment parts in the previous ordinary call (i.e. microscopy exam, partial exams, integration exam, classroom practicals), there is the possibility of exoneration of those specific assessment items in the second call, but only in the case of the extraordinary call corresponding to the same academic year.



Students have the right to decide whether they want to repeat all the compulsory assessment parts or only some of them, according to the results of the previous ordinary call. In all cases, it is possible to take all the assessment items in the second call, to apply for a complete 100% evaluation of the course (Article 9 of assessment regulations in UPV/EHU1). Students wanting to repeat any mandatory assessment part that had already been passed must communicate this in writing to the subject coordinator, with a minimum notice of 72 hours.



1 Regulations governing the assessment of students in official degree courses in UPV/EHU.

Web page: https://www.ehu.eus/es/web/estudiosdegrado-gradukoikasketak/ebaluaziorako-arautegia

- You will need to carry some electronic device with internet connection (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop) to complete tasks and assignments associated with the classroom practicals.
- The use of labcoat is highly recommended for laboratory practicals.
- When attending exams, you may not bring anything else apart from just a pen, eraser, and some color crayons.

Basic bibliography

1. ALBERTS B, Bray D, Hopkin K, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P (2017) Essential Cell Biology 5th ed., Garland Science, New York USA.



2. COOPER GM, Hausman RE (2017) The Cell: A Molecular Approach, 7th ed, Sinauer, Oxford Univ. press, UK.



3. ALBERTS B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P (2019) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th ed., Garland Science, New York USA.



4. KARP G, Iwasa J, Marshall W (2016). Cell and Molecular Biology 8th ed. John Wiley & sons, Hoboken New Jersey USA.



5. LODISH H, Berk A, Krieger M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H, Anoa A, Martin K (2016). Molecular Cell Biology. 8th ed. McMillan. Springer Nature, Heidelberg GER.



6. YOUNG B, O’Dowd G, Woodford P (2007). WHEATHER’S Functional Histology 6th ed. ELSEVIER, NED.



7. ROSS MH, Pawlina W (2019). Histology: A Text and Atlas. With correlated Cell and Molecular Biology. Wolters Kluwer, NED.

In-depth bibliography

1. APPASANI K, Appasani RK (2010). Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine: From Molecular Embryology to Tissue Engineering Humana Press. Springer Nature, Heidelberg GER.

2. BRONZINO JD, Peterson D. (2016). Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Engineering. The Biomedical Engineering Handbook, 4th ed. CRC Press, USA.

Journals

- PubMed: Repository of research articles, and more.

Web addresses

- softCELL The British Society for Cell Biology
- Cell Picture Show Image collection from Cell Press
- Cells Alive! Interactive celular models and Quizzes
- The Cell Image library Image collection of cellular types and processes
- ScienceDaily: Cell Biology News Latest news about cellular biology
- Understanding evolution University of Berkeley
- From genetics to cells and disease University of Utah
- The Journal of Cell Biology Image collection form JCB
- Virtual Cell animation Animations of specific cellular processes
- Cell games Quizzes and animations about cells
- Online Learning: The cell Quizzes and animations about cells
- Microscope simulator: Virtual microscope
- Virtual Histology Slides: University of Michigan
- Histology Guide: Virtual Microscopy laboratory