From Molecule to Cell in APP

The aim of the "From the molecule to the cell in APP" course is to provide L1 students with the basic notions of biology they will need to follow the biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology courses in subsequent semesters. The structure of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and sugars) and the structural organization of the cell will be detailed, with a view to understanding the origin of life and the organization of viruses, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

The program of this UE will be declined on :

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

• Understand the concept of the cell (smallest living unit)
• Recognize and compare different cell types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic (animal and plant)
• Recognize and classify different molecules according to their structure
• Knowing the nature of the bonds that make up biomolecules
• Understand how different types of molecules interact with each other
• Basic structure of biological membranes
• Understanding the different types of membrane transporters
• Understanding the different junctions and adhesion molecules, their function and location
• Understanding the different types of extracellular matrix
• Define the different types of organelle, their function and location in the cell.
• Recognizing an organelle from its MET or SEM structure
• 3 types of cytoskeleton structure
• Understanding their cellular locations and roles
• Mobilize basic notions of biology and microscopy to tackle a simple problem in the field or analyze a micrograph.
• How to use a photonic microscope
• Perform a simple cyto/histological preparation
• Perform simple cyto/histological staining
• Perform a Gram stain
• Represent a microscopic observation in the form of a captioned drawing, respecting the size proportions of the various cellular elements.
• Measure height using magnification or a scale bar
• Scale a drawing or micrograph
• Differentiating between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• Recognize an animal cell and a plant cell
• Comply with health and safety rules in a practical room

100% Continuous assessment

Recommended prerequisites* :

Knowledge of biology (science final year) is recommended.