Microscopia e Biologia Celular

Not applicable.

The basic notions of this curricular unit will be covered through expository projection in PowerPoint, with the resolution of worksheets to assess the acquired knowledge. Additionally, the practical application of these concepts will be carried out through practical experiments to identify cell morphologies and structures. The study material is available through the platform adopted by ISEC.

The main objective of this curricular unit is to provide students with the fundamental concepts of Cellular Biology, so that they are able to understand the concepts covered in subsequent courses in the degree curriculum, in the area of Biological Sciences.

The aim is for students to be able to: i) recognize the principles of microscopy and know how to use the microscope; ii) identify and distinguish cellular structures and functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; iii) recognize the structure of the main animal tissues; iv) apply appropriate histological and staining techniques.

1. The study of the cell

Fundamentals of optical and electron microscopy. Main applications of microscopy. Main simple and differential stains used in Cell Biology.

2. Structure of prokaryotic cells

The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. Morphological characteristics of prokaryotic microorganisms. Cellular structures and function in prokaryotic cells. Prokaryotic latent forms.

3. Structure of eukaryotic cells

Cellular structures and function in eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic latent forms.

4. Introduction to animal tissue biology. Histological processing and staining.

PRACTICE

Carrying out visualization and staining experiments using optical microscopy. The work to be carried out includes the preparation of slide and smear samples, negative staining with methylene blue, Gram, Sudan black (PHA granules) and malachite green (endospores).

The evaluation is continuous and has two components: i) Theoretical component (AT) carried out by 2 written tests (50% of the AT classification each), or by final exam; ii) Practical component (AP), comprising the continuous assessment of students' practical performance (20% of the AP component), reporting of experimental work (20%) and 1 final practical test (60% of the AP component). %). Students who complete all theoretical continuous assessment instruments do not have access to the “normal” period exam. In the written and lab tests it is not allow the consultation of any document or use of non authorized electronic equipment.

The student needs to obtain a minimum of 9.5 in both components (AT and AP) to be approved for the course. The final classification is given by: 0.75xAT + 0.25xAP.

The applicable attendance regime is defined in the Coimbra Institute of Engineering Regulations for the Professional Technical Higher Courses: “Whenever a student is eligible for funding for a CTeSP, namely, from the Structural Funds of the European Union, it is mandatory to attend at least 75% of the total class hours of each course unit in order for the student to be assessed under continuous/periodic evaluation, and at least 50% for the student to be assessed through examination, without prejudice to the situations provided for by law.”  

NAO