Overall objectives:

1 - To consolidate and acquire a thorough understanding of cell organelles, molecular organization functions and cell dynamic.
2 - To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in cell organelles function.
3 - To understand the regulatory mechanisms and modes of cell­cell interactions.
4 - To know the methods used in cell studies.
5 - To appreciate the importance and applications of cell studies in medicine and industry.
6 - Capacity of individual work.
7 - Development of the capacity of executing laboratory protocols, good registration, interpretation and communication of results.
8 - Development of the habit of group work and oral communication.
9 - Develop critical view.

Syllabus:

1 - Brief History of Cell Biology, important events from 1590 to the Present
2 - chemical components of the cell: classification, molecular organization
3 - Cell structures and functions
4 - Cell membrane systems
5 - Plasma membrane: models, structure, composition and molecular organization. Transport of small molecules and transport of macromolecules
6 - Endomembarne systems
7 - Endoplasmic reticulum, types, functions
8 - Golgi apparatus, functional compartmentalization
9 - Lysosomes and cell digestion
10 - Peroxisomes, structure and function
11 - Non membrane Cell organelles
12 - Cytoskeleton: types, compositions functions and importance in cancer and other health related problems
13 - Ribosome: Composition, protein synthesis
14 - Nucleus: structure and nuclear transport.
15 - Semiautonomous organelles: mitochondria and plastids.
16 - Cell­-Cell communications: mechanisms of signal reception and transductions.
17 - Cell death: Necrosis/ apoptosis.

Literature/Sources:

Azevedo, C , 1999 , Biologia Celular e Molecular. 3ª edição. Lidel edições técnicas , Lisboa­ Porto­ Coimbra
Alberts et al. , 2019 , Essential Cell Biology. An Introduction to the Molecular Biology of the Cell , Garland Science, New York
Albert et al. , 2015 , Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th edition , Garland Science, New York

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The theoretical classes are lectured using multimedia projections and sometimes videos are used to facilitate the apprehension of concepts. The students are encouraged to discuss their viewpoints and doubts during the classes. The practical classes start with expositions of the theoretical background. The protocol of each class is available in student page one day earlier. The evaluation is as following: 1­ Two testes in the theoretical part, one in the middle of the term and the other toward the end (45% of the final note). 2­ The seminars represent 10% of the final note. 3­ Practical part is evaluated by reports (22.5%) and a final test (22.5%). The students that fail to attend 30% or more of the practical classes will not be evaluated in this component.