Curricular Unit:			Code:
Cellular and Molecular Biology Techniques			1100TBCM
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
2	CTSP	Laboratory Analyses	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Winter Semester		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
This course explores the basic structures and fundamental processes of life at the molecular and cellular level. In terms of knowledge, it aims to provide the basis for understanding biological phenomena, with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular levels of the functioning and evolution of living beings. At the level of competences, it aims to provide the ability to: (i) deepen knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes; (ii) provide a basis for understanding the current literature on biological processes; (iii) reinforce the scientific communication capacity, both oral and written, of laboratory activities.
Syllabus:
Theoretical-practical component: Chemical bonds; Structure and function of inorganic molecules; Structure and function of biomolecules; Prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells; Cellular organelles; Biomembranes; Membrane and cytoskeleton specializations; DNA replication and protein synthesis; Cell cycle; Cell death; Acellular beings: viruses and prions; Methods of studying the cell and molecules. Practical-laboratory component: Characterization of amino acids and proteins; Protein isolation; Experimental analysis of the structure-function relationship (enzymes); Qualitative tests for identification of carbohydrates; DNA extraction; Preparation and observation of extemporaneous preparations of plant tissue and animal tissue; Morphological and structural study of prokaryotic cells; Isolation of cell organelles and study of biomembrane permeability. Preparation and observation of the different stages of mitosis; Electrophoresis; PCR.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The theoretical-practical part is divided into several sections: the levels of biological organization are described, in order to allow us to recognize that the living world presents itself hierarchically structured; the cell is presented as a structural and functional unit of all living beings: characterization at the molecular, structural and functional level; the sequence of events that characterize protein synthesis and the cell cycle is studied; acellular beings are described at the structural and functional level; The main methods of studying molecules and cells are described. The practical part explores the use of optical microscopy in differentiating organisms and subcellular structures; structural and functional aspects of proteins and carbohydrates; application of nucleic acid extraction and amplification techniques.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Theoretical-practical component: descriptive and integrated exposition of the concepts, theories and mechanisms underlying the syllabus established in the theoretical program of the discipline, and articulated with the adopted bibliography. Approval will be certified through two written tests (average classification of at least 10/20; 75% weighting of the final grade of the curricular unit). Failure to pass continuous assessment sends the student to take an exam at the end of the semester. Practical component: use of experimental methodologies. Approval to the practical component will be certified by taking 2 tests. The approval of the practical component implies obtaining at least 10/20 values (25% weighting in the final grade of the curricular unit).
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
Theoretical-practical component: Aims at the acquisition of general and specific technical-scientific knowledge of this UC, good level of written communication and a good ability to relate concepts. Practical component: Aims to improve the understanding and deepen the technical-scientific knowledge of the student on specific topics of the program, as well as improve the operational capacity, both in the processes of organization and execution of work and in laboratory reasoning.
Reading:
1. ALBERTS B, BRAY D, HOPKIN K, JOHNSON D, LEWIS J, RAFF M, ROBERTS K, WALTER P. Fundamentos da Biologia Celular. Artmed Editora, 3ª Edição, 2012. ISBN: 9788536306797 (existe 2ªedição de 2006) 2. SUNKEL CE, AZEVEDO C. Biologia Molecular e Celular, Lidel eds. Técnicas, 5ª Edição, 2012 ISBN: 9789727576920 (existe 4ª edição, 2010) 3. Cook, DJ. Cellular Pathology: An Introduction to Techniques and Applications, Scion Publishing Ltd., 2006. ISBN:9781904842309 4. COELHO MJ. Manual de trabalhos laboratoriais de apoio à componente prática da UC, 2021 5. MURRAY RK, GRANNER DK, RODWELL VW. Harpers’s Illustrated Biochemistry – Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill, 30th ed 2015 ISBN: 9780071825344 (existe a 27th ed, 2006)
Lecturer (* Responsible):
Maria Coelho (mcoelho@ufp.edu.pt) Sofia Pereira (sofia@ufp.edu.pt)