Cell and Molecular Biology

Recommended Prerequisites

The student should have knowledge on Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in High School.

The student should be able to read and understand papers or other bibliography in English.   

Teaching Methods

Lectures

Practical and theoretical/practical classes

These include - Group discussion of current topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology applied to medicine; -interaction with different laboratory technologies in the context of cellular and Molecular Biology; - Case based learning using the knowledge acquired.

Tutorial guidance:  includes availability for guidance to understand the biological mechanisms, resolution of problem cases, discussion of scientific articles and themes.

Learning Outcomes

Identify, analyse and understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in normal cell function and understand the cellular dysfunction that occurs in the disease, and consequently, the logic in the performance and the therapeutic use of molecular biology technologies to be applied in the diagnosis. Identify, analyse, describe the biological and molecular processes responsible for the development, communication and control of cell activity and cell division. Apply the knowledge gained in solving clinical problems. Propose and support a research-based strategy for a patient or family member carrier of the disease. The student should demonstrate appropriate capabilities and communication skills as well as be able to do teamwork.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Study of cell; normal functional pattern and the consequences of its alterations. Cellular and Molecular mechanisms associated with the DNA, RNAs and proteins. Intracellular traffic and compartments, and associated pathologies. 

Cell signalling and therapeutic applications. Cytoskeleton composition: cellular and molecular mechanisms of normal function and of associated pathologies.  Impact of technological advances on the Biomedical Sciences of recombinant DNA: molecular hybridization. RFLPs;VNTRs;STRs;DNA cloning and cloning vectors.PCR and sequencing methods. Analysis of the applicability of the different technologies in the diagnosis.Cell nucleus: Structure of chromosomes and chromosome domains. Epigenetic mechanisms. Cell cycle. Biological significance of mitosis and meiosis. Oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Fertilization. Pathology of the nucleus: numerical and structural chromosomes changes, their implications on cell division. Impact on phenotype. Genotype/phenotype correlation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Joana Lima Barbosa Melo

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 5.0%
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Mini Tests: 25.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

- Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. Molecular Biology of the Cell (2010) 5th Edition (Versão original).

- Lodish et al (2008), Molecular Cell Biology, 6th edition.

- Cooper G. (2004), The Cell: a molecular approach, 3nd edition