From Molecule to Cell in APP

The course "From Molecules to Cells in APP" aims to provide first-year students with the basic biology concepts they will need to take courses in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology in subsequent semesters. The structure of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and sugars) and the structural organization of cells will be detailed with a view to understanding the origin of life and the organization of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.

The program for this EU will be divided into:

• 6 three-hour tutoring sessions 
• 6 three-hour practical sessions
• 3 Scientific conferences

• Understanding the concept of a cell (the smallest unit of life)
• Recognize and compare different types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic (animal and plant)
• Know how to recognize and classify different molecules according to their structure
• Understanding the nature of the bonds that make up biomolecules
• Understanding how different types of molecules can interact with each other
• Understanding the basic structure of biological membranes
• Understanding the different types of membrane transporters
• Know the different junctions and adhesion molecules, their function, and their location.
• Understanding the different types of extracellular matrices
• Know how to define the different types of organelles, their function, and their locations at the cellular level.
• Recognizing an organelle based on its structure using TEM or SEM
• Learn about the three types of cytoskeletal structures
• Know their cellular locations and roles
• Use basic concepts of biology and microscopy to address a simple problem in the field or analyze a micrograph.
• Knowing how to use a photonic microscope
• Perform a simple cytological/histological preparation
• Perform a simple cytological/histological stain
• Perform a Gram stain
• Represent a microscopic observation in the form of a labeled drawing, respecting the size proportions of the different cellular elements.
• Take measurements using magnification or a scale bar.
• Draw a scale on a drawing or micrograph
• Differentiating between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
• Recognizing an animal cell and a plant cell
• Follow the health and safety rules of a practical training room.

100% Continuous assessment

Recommended prerequisites:

Knowledge of biology (science-focused high school diploma) is recommended.