Biology of the Cell
Cellens biologi

EXTA70, 7.5 credits, G1 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED W
Date of Decision: 2025-04-09
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: BME2, N2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

This course is an introduction to cell biology. It deals with the cell structures and functions and provides an overview of the complex processes that occur in living cells. The course provides the foundation in cell biology for further biological /medical studies.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• understand and be able to describe differences and similarities in the composition and structure of different cell types
• understand and be able to describe photosynthesis and respiration
• understand and be able to describe composition and replication of DNA
• understand and be able to describe gene expression and the regulation of gene expression.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to carry out basic laboratory routines and the use of common laboratory equpment for cell biology applications
• be able to carry out microscopicy studies and interpretation of microscopy-generated images of different cell types and cell components

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• understand and discuss the structure of a living cell and how different essential processes in the cell take place and how they interact.

Contents

The structure of cells and the composition of microorganisms, plants and animals. The structures and functions of proteins, nucleic acids and membranes. The mechanism of energy conversion. Cell production, mitosis, cell cycle and cancer proliferation. Cell differentiation and different specialized animal cells. DNA structure and DNA replication. Gene expression and protein synthesis.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Written examination. Participation in compulsory laboratory works are needed for a passing grade. The grade is based on the written exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0125. Name: Biology of the Cell.
Credits: 6.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written Examination
Code: 0225. Name: Biology of the Cell, Practical Elements.
Credits: 1.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Active Participation

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: 110
Selection: Admission guaranteed for students for whom the course is mandatory. Selection rules for the remaining places: Completed university credits within the program. Priority is given to students enrolled on programmes that include the course in their curriculum.
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: TEK295

Reading list

• Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Karen Hopkin, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Keith Roberts: Essential Cell Biology - 6th edition. W. W. Norton & Company, 2023, ISBN: 9781324033394.

Contact

Course coordinator: Mats Hansson, mats.hansson@biol.lu.se

Further information