Cell Biology - Histology

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AB_1138

Course Objective

At the end of this course you will be able to explain the relation between the shape and the function of cellsexplain how cells together form a tissue, with the digestive system as an example.analyse histological preparations using light microscopy.draw the structure and organelles of the cell, and explain their role in functioning of the cell.analyse ultrastructures of the cell using data derived form the electron microscope.explain how intracellular proteins and lipids are transported to reach their subcellular destination.describe the different signal transduction pathways and layers of organization that underlie the regulation of cellular processes.mathematically model the connectivity of signal transduction pathways.

Course Content

The course Cell biology
- Histology forms the basis of all cellular courses of the Bachelor Biomedical Sciences. This course builds on existing knowledge, obtained from pre-university education, on DNA, proteins and cells as building blocks for organisms. The histology part will provide insight into how different cell types together form a tissue, and as such forms a frame work for later cell biology parts in the course were we will focus on the molecular processes in the cell and biochemical cellular interactions within tissues. Week 1 (Histology): Introductory lecture. Lectures and microscopy practicals by Dr. M. Verheijen on: 1) Epithelia 2) Gland tissue Week 2 (Histology): Lectures and microscopy practicals by Dr. M. Verheijen on: 1) Connective Tissue 2) Muscle Tissue Week 3 (Histology): Lectures and microscopy practicals by Dr. M. Verheijen on: 1) Neural tissue 2) Digestive system Week 4 (Histology/Cell biology): A summarizing lectures on all histology exam material by Dr. M. Verheijen Exam Histology Lecture by Dr. J. van Weering on Cell Organelles (Cell biology) Week 5 (Cell biology): Lectures and work groups by Dr. J. van Weering and Prof. dr. S. Luirink on: 1) Cell organelles 2) Tissue-specific ultra structures 3) Intracellular Transport Week 6 (Cell biology): Lectures and work groups by Dr. J. van Weering, Prof. dr. S. Luirink and Prof. dr. A.B. Smit on: 1) Intracellular Transport 2) Transport organelles 3) Cell cycle 4) Extracellular matrix Week 7 (Cell biology): Lectures and work groups by Prof. dr. A.B. Smit and dr. D. Molenaar on: 1) Cell communication 2) Modeling of signal transduction Week 8 (Cell biology): Exam Cell Biology The following learning pathway is incorporated into this course: Mathematic skills

Teaching Methods

Lectures: in this course 14 lectures will be offered. The first day will start with an opening lecture during which the aims of the course are highlighted. Practical(s): in this course4 microscopy practicals are offered. A major point of this course is the learning of microscopy skills, and the histological application of this to obtain insight into the relation between the shape and function of cells. In addition, 4 computer practicals are offered as home work assignments: this will involve computer practicals in which the obtained insight into-shape-function relation of cells on the level of light microscopy is taken further to the level of electron microscopy. Focus here is on the integration of both research methods (light versus electron microscopy) and obtaining insight into the function of subcellular structures. Next to that an optional (not required) hands-on practical Electron Microscopy will be offered. Acomputer practical on mathematic modelling will be used to explain mechanisms that underlie the connectivity in signal transduction pathways. Also, this course contains 5 workgroups: 4 ‘check yourself sessions’ in which you will discuss the outcomes of the computer practicals on the electron microscope, and one workgroup in which the dynamics of transport processes will be shown using videos and major question in this field will be discussed.

Method of Assessment

The grading procedure will be as follows:Exam Histology 40% (digital)Exam Cell Biology 60% (digital)The two exams can compensate each other for the final grade, which needs to be at least 5.5 to pass. For students that do not pass, one re-exam will be available that assesses the total course (containing both the Histology and Cell Biology parts). The exams also assess the exam material of practicals and workgroups. Attendance requirements for the practicals and workgroups need to be fulfilled (see study manual) and performance needs to be sufficient to pass the course. Attending the lectures is highly recommended. For those that did not pass the course (recidivists), both exams (Histology and Cell Biology) will have to be taken again the next year. A positive assessment for practicals and workgroups is valid for three academic years. When participation in practicals and workgroups was not sufficient, all practicals and workgroups will have to be attended again. Check with the coordinator when in doubt.

Literature

1) Martini: Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, Benjamin Cummings 2) Alberts, Bray, Hopkin, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, Walter: Essential Cell Biology, Garland Science

Target Audience

Compulsory course for first-year BSc Biomedical Sciences students.

Custom Course Registration

You need to register yourself for the course via VUnet, including lectures and (partial) exam(s). The faculty will register you for all remaining teaching methods.