General provisions

The course is given in the second semester of the biomedical laboratory science programme and consists of theoretical studies and practical proficiency training. The course intends that the students acquire the basics in cell biology and relevant methodology that is required for an understanding of later courses in the program.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Biology 2, Physics 1a or 1b1+1b2, Chemistry 2, Mathematics 3b or 3c/Mathematics C

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course the student should be able to

• Account for structure and function of eukaryotic cells, cell organelles and account for the aids by which these cells are revealed.
• Explain and give examples of intra- and extracellular communications and cell contacts.
• Describe how the life processes are controlled at organ level and in man as a whole.
• Describe the muscle-skeletal system's anatomy, histology and function.
• Describe the general organisation, basic structure and function of central and peripheral nervous systems.
• Describe the anatomy and histology of the heart, the functional subdivision of the blood vessels and account for the basic functions of the circulatory system.
• Describe the position and structure of the endocrine organs, including the genital organs, and account for the well-known hormones physiological effects in the body
• Describe the anatomy and histology of the kidney and account for its main functions
• Describe the anatomy, histology and function of the respiratory organs, account for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolus, blood and tissue cells.
• Describe the anatomy and histology of the digestive tract and liver, including pancreas, and account for the basic functions of the digestive tract
• Generally describe the human body's mechanisms for temperature regulation, including fever
• Describe physiological changes in the elderly
• At a general level account for the human embryonic and fetal development and be familiar with the appearance and function of the placenta.
• The student should be able to account for teratological principles and know the most commonly occurring potent human teratogenic agents.

Skills and ability

On completion of the course the student should be able to

• Identify commonly occurring tissues and cell types within the diagnostics. For each tissue type, the student should be able to account for the connection between the function of the tissue and its morphology.
• Demonstrate a proficiency in relevant laboratory methodology and be able to analyse, interpret and present the results and the theoretical background in the form of laboratory reports and medical records.
• Show skills in searching databases relevant for the subject.

Content

The course comprises description of the functional anatomy of the organs, histology and physiology. The functional anatomy is taught in such extent that is considered necessary for an understanding of the physiological processes. The following topics are taught during the course:

• The structure and organelles of eukaryotic cells
• Cellular signalling pathways
• The structure and function of the nervous system
• The structure and function of the circulatory system
• The structure and function of the endocrine and reproductive organs.
• The structure and function of the kidney and the regulation of the acid/base, electrolyte and fluid balance of the body.
• The structure and function of the respiratory organs
• The structure and function of the gastrointestinal system.
• Temperature regulation of the human body
• Physiological changes in the elderly
• Histology of different tissues
• Embryology and teratology
• Methods for studies of histology and cell biology.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, group tuition, microscope sessions, laboratory sessions and demonstrations.

Assessment

Examination takes place as independent practical and theoretical tests. Passed seminars, laboratory sessions, and attendance in appropriate demonstrations, are furthermore required for the grade passed. If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Students who have not passed the examination have the right to take the examination 4 additional times (= total 5 examinations). If special circumstances apply, the programme committee may admit additional examinations. Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called blank exam is counted as an examination.