Cell Biology, 15 credits

Contents

The course consists of three main modules:
• Module 1 (Theory, 8 ECTS): Covers fundamental theoretical knowledge in modern molecular cell biology.
• Module 2 (Professional Communication Training, 2 ECTS): Focuses on oral communication through student presentations and seminar discussions.
• Module 3 (Laboratory Work, 5 ECTS): Application of theoretical knowledge through experimental work using relevant cell biology methods. Students will train in planning and conducting experiments, analyzing and presenting data, and communicating results in scientific form.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding
1. Describe the structure and function of the cell and explain methods used to study cell biological processes.
2. Explain the structure and function of cell membranes and the principles of membrane transport.
3. Describe fundamental principles of cell communication and signal transduction.
4. Describe how proteins are handled and regulated in the cell.
5. Compare the structure and function of different organelles and explain their roles in cellular homeostasis.
6. Explain the basis of cell shape, motility, and intracellular transport, and give examples of methods used to study these processes.
7. Describe the regulation of the cell cycle and the mechanisms of cell division.
8. Describe different forms of programmed cell death and their regulation.
9. Explain basic concepts of cell biological disease mechanisms.

Skills and Abilities
10. Present scientific content orally in a clear and structured manner.
11. Collaborate in groups to solve cell biological problems and communicate the results effectively.
12. Participate in structured scientific discussions and critically reflect on theoretical and practical content.
13. Plan and conduct basic experiments in cell biology.
14. Apply good laboratory practice and follow established protocols.
15. Analyze and present experimental data in written form.
16. Interpret results and draw conclusions based on scientific principles.

Judgement and Approach
17. Identify one’s own learning needs and take responsibility for further learning

Required Knowledge

20 ECTS from completed courses in chemistry, of which at least 5 ECTS in biochemistry, or 20 ECTS from a combination of completed courses in chemistry and physics and/or mathematics, of which at least 5 ECTS in biochemistry; 20 ECTS from completed courses in biology, including microbiology, molecular biology, and genetics.

Form of instruction

The course includes a combination of lectures and student-centered teaching formats, such as interactive seminars, case-based learning, and practical components. Great emphasis is placed on active learning, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning through exploration, collaboration, and critical reflection.

To participate in laboratory work, students must be familiar with laboratory safety regulations (available on the course platform) and demonstrate basic skills in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

All teaching components except lectures are mandatory. The language of instruction is English, but teaching may be conducted in Swedish if there is no need for English.

Examination modes

Assessment is based on:
• Individual written exam for Module 1 (learning outcomes 1–9)
• Individual oral presentation for Module 2 (learning outcomes 10–12, 17)
• Written lab report for Module 3 (learning outcomes 13–16)
Grading:
• Module 1: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Distinction (VG)
• Modules 2 and 3: Fail (U), Pass (G)

The written exam is divided into sections assessing each expected learning outcome (ELO). To pass an ELO, at least 60% of the questions for that ELO must be correct. To pass the entire exam, all ELOs (1–9) must be passed. Each ELO includes a VG question that can be graded as G or VG. To receive VG on the entire exam, at least 5 out of 9 VG-graded questions must be VG. If a student passes at least 6 ELOs but not the entire exam, they are offered an oral exam for the failed ELOs. This oral exam is conducted in groups but assessed individually. Alternatively, the student may retake the full written exam.

To pass the course, all mandatory components must be completed and the written exam must be passed. For a VG on the course, all mandatory components must be completed and the written exam must be graded VG.

Students must submit written assignments in the prescribed format and actively participate in presentations and discussions. Active participation includes contributing reflections, questions, and attempts to answer questions posed to the individual or group.
In case of absence from mandatory components, the examiner decides on a substitute assignment or whether the component must be redone later.

Students who fail the regular exam are offered a retake in accordance with Umeå University's Rules for Grading and Examination at Undergraduate and Advanced Level (FS 1.1-574-22). The first retake is offered within two months of the regular exam. If the regular exam is held in May or June, the first retake is offered within three months. At least one additional retake is offered within one year from the regular exam. After that, students must wait until the course/module is offered again.

A student who has failed two exams for a course or part of a course has the right to request a different examiner, unless special reasons apply (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22). Requests are made to the Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology.

The examiner may deviate from the examination format in the syllabus. Individual adaptations of the examination format must be considered based on the student’s needs and within the framework of the expected learning outcomes. Students requiring adapted examination must request it at least 10 working days before the exam. The examiner decides and informs the student.

Other regulations

Students have the right to request an assessment of whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through professional experience can be credited towards corresponding education at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer should be submitted to the Student Services Office. More information is available on Umeå University's student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6).

Transitional provisions

If the course syllabus is discontinued or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular exam) according to the regulations in the syllabus under which the student was originally registered, for a maximum of two years from the time the previous syllabus ceased to apply or the course was no longer offered.