1. Explain how building blocks of major cellular macromolecules are produced or modified by chemical reactions.
2. Explain how the structure of cellular components relates to cell function.
3. Explain the steps of the central dogma and how each step is regulated.
4. Explain different methods by which cells interact (sending and receiving signals). 
5. Explain how division and death of cells is regulated and executed.
6. Effectively work collaboratively in a group assignment with their peers and reflect on their role in this collaboration.
7. Construct and give a presentation on a cell biological theme for an audience of peers.
8. Learn how to work safely with microorganisms and cells in laboratories and know about the dutch laws and regulations on this.

In this course students study the fundamental unit of life, the cell. 
 
Introduction:
The cell is the structural and functional unit of life. It distinguishes living organisms from non-living matter. All organisms are made up of cells: membrane-enclosed units filled with a concentrated aqueous solution of biomolecules. Cells have the amazing capacity to reproduce by growing and dividing. The simplest forms of life consist of a single cell, whereas higher organisms are multicellular. In higher organisms, groups of specialized cells are derived from a single founder cell by growth and division. These specialized cells work together to create more complex structures. As a consequence, all animals and plants are made up of colonies of cells, which perform specialized functions and are integrated by complex intercellular communication pathways. 
 
Set up of this course:
At the start of the course, we focus on the molecules that serve as building blocks for cellular components and the chemical reactions by which these molecules are formed or broken down. Special attention is given to proteins, since these molecules are so fundamental to cell function. Next, the concept and process of cell specialisation in multicellular organisms is studied by examining how cells maintain, copy, transcribe and translate their genetic material.

In the first part of the course, we will also learn how to work safely with microorganisms and cells in laboratories and know about the Dutch laws and regulations on this. For this, 2 lectures, 2 practicals, an eLearning module and digital end test are organized. If the end test is made successfully students get a certificate that they are allowed to work in biological laboratories (VMT-certificate).

In the second part of the course, cellular organisation is studied: students learn how different cellular components are delivered to the right location and how intercellular communication and cell division take place. Experimentation underlies all scientific knowledge and understanding. In this course students examine and discuss the experimental studies underlying the basic concepts in cell biology. In collaborative learning strategies we will discover how this knowledge of fundamental principles is applied in current-day basic and applied research. To this end, students work in small groups on a presentation about a Nobel prize-winning discovery in Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine that is directly related to molecular cell biology. The presentation should offer insight in how knowledge was acquired through a specific experimental approach, and if or how this knowledge is used to address societal problems, such as challenges in medicine.  

Note: An introductory workshop on scientific presenting is part of the course.  

Relation to other courses:
This is a foundation course in Cell Biology. Molecular and thermodynamic aspects will be addressed at a deeper level in the courses Biomolecular Chemistry (MBLS-105) and Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences (MBLS-104), respectively. Research techniques that are briefly described in this course will be further explored and applied in the course Molecular Biology and Biochemical Techniques and the course Biophysical Methods and Structural Biology in year 2. 

Teaching format course (estimation): 
Lectures 25%
Tutorials 25%
Presentation 10%
Practicals 5%
Self study 35%

Grading (check course manual for details):
test/exam 1 (40%)
test/exam 2 (40%)
Blackboard self-tests (10%)
Nobel Prize Presentation (10%)

Chemistry students can register for this course by sending an email to the MBLS student desk (science.mbls.ba@uu.nl)