Curricular Unit:			Code:
Molecular and Cellular Biology			841BMC
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Master	Dentistry	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Spring Semester		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
This Course explores the cellular physiology and pathology. At the level of knowledge aims the understanding of the cellular system highlighting the importance of (i) molecular interactions for the formation, maintenance and function of its sub-systems; (ii) interrelationships between the sub-systems for the achievement of cellular processes underlying life; and (iii) interconnections between the scientific fields of Biology for the construction of knowledge about organisms. This learning provides generic scientific skills, namely (i) selection, analysis, understanding and communication of technical and scientific information; and (ii) continuous and autonomous updating of knowledge. Overall, the learning process provides skills for the future professional to recognize and understand the role of the cell in health and disease in areas of clinical intervention or research.
Syllabus:
Theoretical component: Historical perspective, Matrix of biological systems (cell and water), Biomembranes (composition, structural organization, and function), Transmembrane and non-transmembrane transport, Compartments associated with the plasma membrane (cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix and surface specializations), Cell organelles (ultrastructure, biogenesis and pathophysiology), Proteostasis, Biosignaling (types and mechanisms), Proliferation, senescence and cell death. Practical component: Microscopy, Proteins (isolation, qualitative analysis, denaturation and structure-function studies), Extemporaneous preparations of plant and animal tissues, and prokaryotic cells (morphological and structural study), Cell fractionation and organelle isolation.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The theoretical component deepens basic processes (e.g. gene expression/biosynthesis/folding/protein trafficking/function; signal transduction; proliferation/programmed cell death) of cellular physiology. This last aspect is illustrated through the description and characterization of organellar diseases caused by the loss of function of specific proteins. Thus, the contents not only promote an integrated understanding on cellular pathophysiology, but also allow to apprehend the genesis of molecular strategies for diagnosis or treatment. The practical component is focused on the resolution of experimental problems to develop (i) the student's sensibility about this area of knowledge through contact with basic experimental techniques for approaching theoretical concepts; (ii) deductive and inductive reasoning; and (ii) oral communication of technical and scientific information.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The theoretical component comprises lectures and discussion of concepts. The approval is certified through two written tests to be done individually and without consultation (average classification of, at least, 10/20, weighting in the final mark 70%). The non-approval in continuous assessment implies the realization of an exam at the end of the semester. The exam has a maximum duration of 2 hours and covers the whole syllabus. The practical component integrates practical-laboratorial classes. The approval is certified through two written tests to be done individually and without consultation (24% weighting) and the student's performance (6% - laboratory execution 4%; attendance 2%) and implies the obtainment of, at least, 10/20 marks (final mark weighting, 30%). Didactic material for guidance or support the study is available through canvas.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The theoretical component comprises the oral presentation of concepts, theories and mechanisms underlying the programme and in articulation with the didactic material and the bibliography. At various moments throughout the semester central aspects of the programme are synthesized and integrated, involving the student in specific problem-solving activities. For the acquisition of knowledge direct and indirect teaching methodologies are applied as their simultaneous application speeds up the processes of understanding and self-learning. In the practical component the teaching methodology is based on the resolution of practical problems using an experimental or theoretical-practical approach. In both components the self-learning along the semester is stimulated using tools for the application of the flipped classroom model. In both components, didactic material, including computer-assisted teaching material, information for lesson planning and support texts are made available to the student through the institutional canvas platform. In addition to the contact hours, the learning process can be complemented face-to-face, during the lecturer's office hours, or by using the institutional digital communication tools (e-mail/canvas). The use of these computer resources is also an important contribution for the promotion and stimulation of the self-learning process.
Reading:
1.Quintas A., Freire A.P., Halpern M.J. – Bioquímica: Organização molecular da vida/Lidel, 2008. 2. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Morgan D, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Science, 5th Edition, 2014. ISBN: 9780815344322. (existe a 4ª edição, 2002) 3. Lodish H, Berk A, Kaiser CA, Krieger M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H, Martin KC, Yaffe M. Molecular Cell Biology. WH Freeman, 9th Edition, 2021. ISBN: 9781319208523. (existe a 3ª edição, 1995, e a 4ª edição, 2000) 4. Cooper GM. The Cell, a Molecular Approach. Sinauer Associates, 8th Edition, 2018. ISBN-10:1605357073; ISBN-13:978-1605357072 5. Sunkel CE, Azevedo C. - Biologia Molecular e Celular, Lidel eds. Técnicas, 5ª Edição, 2012 ISBN: 9789727576920 (existe 4ª edição, 2010) 6. Ribeiro MG – Biologia molecular e celular: manual de apoio à componente teórica, 2020. 7. Castro A, Castro R, Coelho MJ, Ribeiro MG – Biologia Molecular e Celular: manual de trabalhos laboratoriais, 2014.