Aim and Content

Thematic topics in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, cell physiology and histology are incorporated into the course termed Basics in Biomedicine (BIOBAS). The subject shall supply the student with basic knowledge enabling qualification for further studies. From both theoretical and practical teaching students shall gain insight into biomedicine as forming a foundation for the disciplines of nutrition, dentistry and medicine.

The student shall gain knowledge on:

• basic general and organic chemistry
• biochemical building blocks
• proteins and enzymes
• DNA, gene regulation and principles of molecular biology
• metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids
• virus and immunology
• the structure, function and transport of cells
• cell division, differentiation
• the principles of cellular signal transmission and regulation
• the organisation of cells into tissues
• working methods in experimental biomedicine
• microscopical characterisation of histological preparations

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge

• Use chemical terminology and principles in electro-chemistry, equilibrium, thermodynamics and organic chemistry to describe and explain biochemical and physiological processes.
• Describe the basic structure, properties and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.
• Describe cells´ general structure and physiology, the role of organelles, signal transmission and gene regulation.
• Explain energy metabolism in cells and tissue.
• Describe the cells´ structural and functional organisation in different tissue types, and to be able to recognise this under the microscope.
• Give a general explanation of the structure and mechanisms virus, and give an overview over the immune system and response.
• Describe and perform central experimental biochemical, molecular biological and biomedical methods.

Skills/competences

• Solve biomedicinal problems related to the subjects taught.
• Perform certain laboratory and experimental analyses, and discuss the results obtained.
• Give a histological description of certain tissue sections using microscopy.
• Collaborate with fellow students in theoretical group work and in laboratory practicals.

Course offered (semester)

Autumn + spring (2 consecutive semesters)

Access to the Course Unit

Cand.med.-degree programme, or Master of Dentistry.

Recommended previous knowledge

For those who want to prepare for the course, we can recommend this book:

«Essential Cell Biologi» av Alberts, Bray & Hopkin (ABH, 3.ed)

Teaching Methods

Lectures, question times, test-in-bredth before the exam with organised problem-solving, organised and partly led colloquium groups, safety course, laboratory courses, relevant information supplied on MySpace/e-mail.

Approx. 4-6 hours of lectures per week in the autumn, and a total of around 125 hours in the spring. In addition laboratory courses and a histology course.

Compulsory Requirements

Participation in the histology, safety and laboratory courses is mandatory. The students are encouraged to attend lectures and colloquium groups.

Assessment methods

6 hour written exam.

Grading Scale

A-F

Course Unit Evaluation

Written evaluation on My Space/Mi side. Regular meetings between course coordinator and the student representatives.