Guide in PDF format

Advanced Cell Biology

Code: 107529
Credits: 6

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Biology	OB	2

Contact lecturer

Name :: Carme Nogues Sanmiquel
Email :: carme.nogues@uab.cat

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for taking the subject of Advanced Cell Biology. In spite of this to guarantee a good follow-up of the subject it is recommended to have passed the subject of Cell Biology of first course

Objectives

The course Advanced Cell Biology (Ampliació Biologia Cel·lular) deepens the knowledge acquired in the basic Cell Biology course taught during the first year of the degree. This subject focuses on advanced aspects of cell biology and introduces techniques and concepts that are not covered in other compulsory courses of the degree.

Learning objectives of the course:

To become familiar with the most widely used techniques in cell biology that are not addressed in other compulsory courses, with special emphasis on experimental methodologies related to cell culture.
To understand intracellular signaling mechanisms, including the components involved and the main signal transduction pathways within the cell.
To analyze the regulation of the cell cycle and its relationship with processes such as cell proliferation, cell death, and cancer development, identifying the key molecules involved in each of these processes.
To integrate and apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to interpret and solve experimental problems in the field of cell biology, promoting critical thinking and scientific autonomy.
To develop basic skills in recording, analyzing, and discussing experimental results.

Learning outcomes

CM09 (Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of cell biology to understand and respond to experimental problems in cell biology.) Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of cell biology to understand and respond to experimental problems in cell biology.
CM10 (Evaluate as a team and collaboratively solve problems and practical cases in the field of cell biology, developing interpersonal and collaborative work skills inherent to the professional environment.) Evaluate as a team and collaboratively solve problems and practical cases in the field of cell biology, developing interpersonal and collaborative work skills inherent to the professional environment.
KM13 (Describe the processes of embryonic development, differentiation, specialisation and cell death, as well as the cellular bases of pathologies associated with functional errors and chromosomic changes.) Describe the processes of embryonic development, differentiation, specialisation and cell death, as well as the cellular bases of pathologies associated with functional errors and chromosomic changes.
KM14 (Describe the structure and function of the different parts of a cell and its mitotic and meiotic structure.) Describe the structure and function of the different parts of a cell and its mitotic and meiotic structure.
KM15 (Identify specific bibliographic sources in cell biology and its applications (assisted reproduction techniques) that allow, in an autonomous manner, to develop and extend the knowledge acquired.) Identify specific bibliographic sources in cell biology and its applications (assisted reproduction techniques) that allow, in an autonomous manner, to develop and extend the knowledge acquired.
SM10 (Apply the methodologies used in cell biology to solve problems and practical laboratory cases related to broad aspects of cell biology, cytogenetics and reproduction techniques.) Apply the methodologies used in cell biology to solve problems and practical laboratory cases related to broad aspects of cell biology, cytogenetics and reproduction techniques.
SM11 (Carry out cellular biology analyses using specialised laboratory tools.) Carry out cellular biology analyses using specialised laboratory tools.
SM12 (Summarise the most relevant historical milestones in cell biology, assessing their contributions to current biology.) Summarise the most relevant historical milestones in cell biology, assessing their contributions to current biology.

PROGRAM OF THEORY CLASSES

Basic techniques in Cell Biology

1. Cell cultures: Interest and applications. Type of cultures. Characteristics of cell lines.

2. Culture techniques (I): Physical conditions of the cultures. Biological conditions of culture. Sterilization, Cellular Criopreservation and Quantification.

3. Fluorescence microscopy: Fluorescence, Fluorescence microscope. Confocal laser scanning microscope. Other microscopes used in cell biology.

Transmission of signals

4. Signaling pathways: Types of intercellular communications. Bases of intercellular communication. Types of signals. Type of answer. Amplification and distribution of the signal. Regulation of the signal.

5. Type of receptors and activation of receptors.

6. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic secondary messengers

7. Transducers of signal proteins

8. Transmission of signals via protein Ras

9. Transmission of signals via MAP kinases

10. Membrane receptors associated with G proteins

11. Membrane receptors associated with enzymes

12. Transmission of signals via cell adhesion

Control of the cell cycle

13. Cell cycle regulation: Phases of the cell cycle. Control of the cell cycle. Mechanisms of regulation.

14. Regulation of the cell cycle: Phase G1. Phase S.

15. Regulation of the cell cycle: Phase G2. Phase M

16. Apoptosis: Differences between necrosis and apoptosis. Apoptosis in puricellular organisms. Inductors and inhibitors of apoptosis. Genes involved in the apoptosis process. Changes in the nucleus. Apoptosis and cell cycle. Apoptosis and cancer.

17. Cancer. Proto-oncogens. Tumor suppresor genes. Cell cycle, apoptosis and cancer.

PROGRAM OF PROBLEM-SOLVING

Tools and description of techniques needed to solve problems. Cellular purification. Techniques of cell separation. Cell characterization. Cell fractionation. Analysis of DNA and proteins.

Resolution of problems related to the subjects taught in the subject of Cell Biology of first year of degree and of the subject of Extension of Cell Biology of the second year of degree

PROGRAM OF LABORATORY

1. Subculture from an established cell line (Vero cells)

2. Obtaining of the culture curve of a cell culture of Vero cells

3. Detection by immunofluorescence of microtubules in Vero cells

4. Observation of cultured cells by the confocal laser scanning microscope

5. Freezing and defrosting of Vero cells. Evaluation of the use of different cryoprotective concentrations

6. Induction of apoptosis in a monocyte culture. Detection of apoptotic cells through Annexina-V-FLUOS

7. Induction of apoptosis in a cell culture Vero. Quantification ofapoptotic cells thrrough morphology

8. Observation of the different cell organelles in rat liver tissue using the electronic transmission microscope (TEM)

9. Observation of the morphology of a culture of monocytes differentiated to macrophages (fixation at different times) by the electronic scanning microscope (SEM).

10. Discussion of results

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Preparation of results and discussion of practices	4	0.16	CM09, CM10, SM10, SM11
Theoretical classes	22	0.88	KM13, KM14, KM15, SM12
Sessions for problem soloving	6	0.24	CM09, CM10, SM10
Problem preparation	2	0.08	CM09, CM10, SM10
Problem solving	20	0.8	CM09, CM10, SM10
Study	62	2.48	CM09, KM13, KM14, KM15, SM10, SM12
Practical classes	22	0.88	CM09, CM10, SM10, SM11
Personalized tutorials	4	0.16	CM09, CM10, KM13, KM14, KM15, SM12

The course combines different teaching modalities in order to facilitate the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as the development of transversal competences such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Lectures

The theoretical sessions will be delivered in lecture format, supported by audiovisual materials prepared by the lecturer. These materials will be made available in advance on the UAB Virtual Campus (CV), together with the detailed course schedule.

Students are encouraged to review these materials before each session and to complement their study with the recommended bibliography in order to reinforce and consolidate the contents covered in class.

Problem-solving sessions

These sessions are designed to promote cooperative work and the development of critical thinking. Students will work in small groups of three.

The first two sessions will be devoted to a brief introduction to the techniques required to solve the problems and to explaining the working methodology.

Problem solving will be carried out outside class hours and will be presented in one of four specific sessions, in which different groups will present their proposals to the rest of the class.

These proposals will be discussed collectively with the guidance of the lecturer, encouraging the exchange of ideas and critical reflection.

Laboratory practicals

The laboratory sessions aim to enable students to acquire skills in the use of specific equipment and to consolidate theoretical knowledge through experimentation.

These sessions will take place over one intensive week, with daily sessions lasting four and a half hours.

Students will work in pairs (groups of three if the number of students is odd), and at the end of the practicals there will be a joint discussion of the results obtained.

Each pair must submit a written report presenting and analyzing both their own results and those of the whole group. This activity aims to foster both individual and collective scientific reasoning.

The report must be submitted 9 days after the end of the practical sessions via the Virtual Campus.

Note: 15 minutes of a class session will be reserved for students to complete teaching and course evaluation surveys

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title	Weight	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Individual and group tests (laboratory practices)	25%	2	0.08	CM09, SM10, SM11
Individual and group tests (problems)	15%	2	0.08	CM10, SM10
Individual tests (theoretical matter)	60%	4	0.16	KM13, KM14, KM15, SM10, SM12

Continuous assessment

To pass the course, a minimum overall score of 5 out of 10 must be obtained. The final grade will be calculated according to the following weighting:

Final grade = Theory exams (30% + 30%) + Problem solving (15%) + Laboratory practicals (10% + 15%)

1. Theory exams (60%)

• First theoretical exam (30%): assesses the first half of the syllabus.

• Second theoretical exam (30%): assesses the second half of the syllabus.

In order to calculate the average between the two exams, a minimum grade of 4 must be obtained in each of them. If the grade is below 4, the corresponding resit examination must be taken.

2. Problem solving (15%)

Assesses the ability to solve a problem similar to those worked on in class. It will take place on the same day as the second theoretical exam.

The written test will have a maximum value equivalent to 95% of the grade for this activity.

The grade may be increased through active participation in the problem-solving sessions, with a maximum additional 5%, provided that students are able to adequately justify their proposal, even if it is not correct. The additional score will be incorporated into the activity grade (15%), up to the maximum possible mark.

No minimum grade is required to calculate the average. This activity is not recoverable.

3. Laboratory practicals (25%)

a) Practical report (10%)

• The practical report will have a maximum value equivalent to 95% of the grade for this activity.

• The remaining 5% will be obtained from the questionnaires* on the daily practical sessions.

b) Laboratory techniques exam (15%)

• Written test on the techniques and results of the practical sessions.

• It will take place on the same day as the second theoretical exam.

No minimum grade is required to calculate the average. This activity is not recoverable.

*Attendance and preparation conditions for practical sessions

Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory. Punctuality is essential, as during the first 30 minutes the experimental methodologies are explained. To ensure proper follow-up of the practicals, before each session a questionnaire on the practical of the day must be completed. For its correct completion, students must:

• Read the practical script.

• Watch the corresponding videos before each session.

This questionnaire will be graded with a maximum of 0.1 points per session (up to a total of 0.5 points), which will be added to the practical grade.

• Delays of more than 10 minutes: penalty of 0.1 points on the practical grade (the questionnaire cannot be completed).

• Delays of more than 30 minutes: penalty of 0.3 points on the practical grade.

Students will receive a “Not assessed” grade if they do not attend at least 80% of the sessions.

Resit (retake)

To be eligible for resit, students must have been assessed in activities that represent at least two thirds of the final grade. Otherwise, they will receive a “Not assessed” grade.

A resit examination is required for:

• Students with a grade below 4.0 in any of the theory exams.

• Students who, despite having a minimum grade of 4.0 in these exams, do not reach a final grade of 5.

Only theory exams may be retaken.

Neither the problem-solving activity nor the practical activities can be retaken, due to their nature.

Single assessment

To pass the course, a minimum score of 5 out of 10 must be obtained.

The single assessment will consist of a single comprehensive test, which will include theory, problem-solving, and practical contents.

• This test will account for 90% of the final grade.

• It will take place on the same day, time, and location as the second theoretical exam.

• It may be retaken on the date scheduled for resit.

Students who opt for single assessment must compulsorily complete the laboratory practicals in person.

• Practical sessions will account for 10% of the final grade.

Final grade = Comprehensive test (90%) + Practicals (10%)

Use of AI: For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed exclusively for support tasks, such as literature or information searches, text proofreading, or translations. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency in the use of AI in this assessed activity will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a partial or total penalty in the activity grade, or more severe sanctions in cases of serious misconduct.

VERY IMPORTANT: The commission of any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or improper use of AI, unless such use is expressly authorized in the course guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the grade will result in that activity being graded as 0. In cases where the course guide establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in this assessment activity is an essential requirement to pass the course, or when multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in any of these irregularities.

Bibliography

Llibres

- Alberts, Bruce. (2022). Molecular biology of the cell. (7th international student ed.) W W Norton & Company