Cellular and Molecular Biology

Basic knowledge of Biology and Chemistry at secondary school level.

The course module combines expository, participatory and active teaching methodologies, promoting student-centred learning and the progressive development of scientific, laboratory and critical thinking skills.
In theory classes, audiovisual resources, animations and teaching models will be used to support the presentation and discussion of content, encouraging active student participation through guiding questions, problem-solving, small-group discussions and reflective activities.
Flipped Learning strategies will be implemented for selected topics, in which students will prepare specific content in advance by consulting materials provided by the lecturer (texts, videos or other digital resources), allowing class time to be devoted to clarifying doubts, applying concepts, problem-solving and discussing case studies.
Where appropriate, collaborative learning methodologies or peer discussion will be used, as well as the creation of concept maps related to Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Practical laboratory sessions will prioritise experiential learning through laboratory activities carried out in small groups, enabling students to develop technical skills, interpret experimental results, discuss their observations and relate them to the concepts covered in the theoretical classes.
Students will also be able to undertake group projects to analyse, present and discuss scientific articles or other scientific resources appropriate to the level of the course module, thereby promoting literature research, scientific communication and collaborative work.
Where possible, study visits to laboratories or research centres may be organised, providing students with exposure to the techniques and equipment used in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Reference literature and supporting materials will be made available via the institutional platform, and tutorial support and student assistance will be provided at pre-arranged times or by appointment.

This curricular unit aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional organization of the cell at both the cellular and molecular levels, establishing the basis for understanding the biological processes that underpin the functioning of living organisms. It also aims to enable students to integrate this knowledge with that acquired in other curricular units within the health sciences, particularly Physiology and Biochemistry, thereby promoting an integrated understanding of biological mechanisms. Furthermore, the curricular unit seeks to develop fundamental laboratory skills and scientific reasoning, which are essential for undergraduate education in Dietetics and Nutrition.

Upon successful completion of this curricular unit, students should be able to:

THEORETICAL MATRIX

• Understand the cell as the structural, functional and genetic unit of living organisms, recognising cellular diversity and organisation.
• Explain the molecular composition of the cell, relating the major biomolecules to their structure and biological functions.
• Identify the main cell organelles and cellular structures, relating their organisation to their respective functions.
• Understand the fundamental mechanisms of membrane transport and their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
• Understand cellular compartmentalisation and the functional coordination of the different organelles.
• Explain the fundamental principles of the energy transformations associated with cellular function, without prejudice to the more detailed study of these topics in specific curricular units.
• Recognise the importance of cell division in reproduction, growth, tissue renewal and repair.
• Understand the fundamental mechanisms involved in the storage, transmission and expression of genetic information, as the basis for cellular continuity and function.
  

PRACTICAL MATRIX

• Develop skills in observation, experimentation, interpretation of experimental results and scientific communication, while applying laboratory safety standards and good laboratory practices.

THEORETICAL PROGRAM:

Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

Cell Biology

• Cell organisation.
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (comparative overview).
• Plasma membrane and membrane transport.
• Cell organelles and cellular compartmentalisation.
• Endomembrane system.
• Mitochondria and chloroplasts.
• Cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and cell communication.
• Cell nucleus.
• Cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis.
• Cell death: necrosis and apoptosis.

Molecular Biology

• Structure of nucleic acids, chromatin and genome organisation.
• DNA replication.
• Transcription.
• Translation.
• Regulation of gene expression (excluding molecular genetics).

THEORETICAL-PRACTICAL PROGRAM:

• Laboratory safety rules and good laboratory practices.
• Microscopy.
• Temporary slide preparation.
• Observation of cells.
• Mitosis and Meiosis
• DNA extraction.
• Agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Interpretation of experimental results (e.g. PCR, qPCR or DNA sequencing).
• Processing, analysis and discussion of experimental results.
• Biomedical applications of Molecular Biology.
  

Assessment of the unit will focus on continuous assessment, emphasising the progressive acquisition of knowledge, the development of laboratory skills and students’ active participation in the various learning activities.

Continuous assessment

• Two written assessments, covering the theoretical and theoretical-practical content of the module (70%).
• Assessment of the laboratory component, through a practical test and/or laboratory performance, including the execution of procedures, interpretation of results and compliance with safety regulations (20%).
• Assessment of activities carried out as part of active teaching methodologies (10%), namely prior preparation of lessons using the flipped learning approach, problem-solving, participation in collaborative activities, discussion of scientific articles, completion of formative quizzes and other activities proposed throughout the semester.

Exam assessment

Examination-based assessment comprises a written examination covering theoretical and theoretical-practical content (80%) and an assessment of the laboratory component (20%).

To pass the subject, whether through continuous assessment or by exam, students must:
• attend at least 75% of the practical laboratory sessions;
• achieve a minimum mark of 9.5 in each of the assessment components (theoretical and laboratory-based), in accordance with the current assessment regulations.

NAO