| Course Type | Compulsory Course |
|---|
| Course Level | Bachelor's Degree |
|---|
| Year of Study | 2 |
|---|
| Semester | Third Term (Fall) |
|---|
| ECTS | 4 |
|---|
| Name of Lecturer(s) |
|
| Learning Outcomes |
At the end of this course, the students;
- Describe the structure and function of key cellular components and biomolecules.
- Explain molecular processes like gene expression, signaling, and cell cycle regulation.carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids and vital macromolecules.
- Analyze experimental data and techniques used in molecular cell biology research
- Connect molecular mechanisms to cellular behaviors and human diseases (e.g., cancer, genetic disorders).
- Critically evaluate primary literature in the field.
|
| Mode of Delivery | Face to face |
|---|
| Prerequisites | No |
|---|
| Recommended Optional Programme Components | No |
|---|
| Course Description | This course provides an in-depth exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular structure, function, and regulation. Building on foundational biology, it integrates principles from biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology to explain how cells operate at the molecular level. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches, current techniques, and applications in health, disease, and biotechnology. The course prepares students for advanced topics in molecular biology, such as genomics, developmental biology, and cancer biology. |
|---|
| Course Contents |
| WEEK |
TOPICS |
|
1st Week |
Chemical Foundations I: Review of biomolecules: Protein structure and folding |
|
2nd Week |
Chemical Foundations II: Enzymes, kinetics, and bioenergetics |
|
3rd Week |
Nucleic Acids and Gene Organization I: DNA structure, replication, repair, and recombination. |
|
4th Week |
Nucleic Acids and Gene Organization II: Chromatin structure, epigenetics, and genome organization. |
|
5th Week |
Nucleic Acids and Gene Organization III: RNA types and processing |
|
6th Week |
Gene Expression and Regulation I: Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. |
|
7th Week |
Gene Expression and Regulation II: Post-transcriptional regulation, Translation and protein synthesis |
|
8th Week |
Midterm |
|
9th Week |
Gene Expression and Regulation III: Gene regulation mechanisms |
|
10th Week |
Cellular Structures and Compartments I: Membranes, transport, and trafficking |
|
11th Week |
Cellular Structures and Compartments II: Organelles, Cell junctions and extracellular matrix |
|
12th Week |
Cell Signaling and Communication I: Signal transduction pathways |
|
13th Week |
Cell Signaling and Communication II: Intracellular signaling cascades. Integration of signals and cellular responses |
|
14th Week |
Cell Cycle, Division, and Death I: Cell cycle phases, checkpoints, and regulation. Mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis. |
|
15th Week |
Cell Cycle, Division, and Death II: Apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed cell death. Links to cancer |
|
| Recommended or Required Reading | Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish et al. (8th Edition, 2016, W.H. Freeman).
Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts et al. (6th or 7th Edition) for deeper mechanistic details and stunning illustrations.
Review and original research articles and other written technical documents. |
|---|
| Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods |
- Lecture
- Questions/Answers
- Problem Solving
- Case Study
|
|---|
| Assessment Methods and Criteria |
|
Quantity |
Percentage (%) |
| Mid-term |
1 |
30 |
| Quiz |
3 |
15 |
| Oral Exam |
1 |
10 |
| Attendance |
1 |
5 |
| Total(%) |
|
60 |
| Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) |
|
60 |
| Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) |
|
40 |
| Total(%) |
|
100 |
|
| ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload |
| Activities |
Quantity |
Duration (Hour) |
Total Workload (Hour) |
| Midterm exam |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Preparation for Quiz |
3 |
1 |
3 |
| Individual or group work |
1 |
15 |
15 |
| Preparation for Final exam |
1 |
25 |
25 |
| Course hours |
15 |
4 |
60 |
| Preparation for Midterm exam |
1 |
15 |
15 |
| Laboratory (including preparation) |
|
|
|
| Final exam |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Homework |
|
|
|
| Quiz |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total Work Load | 120 |
| Total Work Load / 30 (h) | 4 |
| ECTS Credit of the Course | 4 |
|
| Language of Instruction | English |
|---|
| Work Placement(s) | No |
|---|
