Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass with merit, Pass, Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Plant Physiology
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2019-06-04
Contents
The last years' technical developments have implied that cellular processes may be measured at greater accuracy both in time and space. These developments also imply that the cellular processes can, to a greater extent, be modelled mathematically. This course starts with an overview of the different building blocks of the cell and how they are used to assemble different macromolecules, their size, and abundance and how they can be modelled. The course continues by studying the spatial and temporal scales of different physical and chemical processes in the cell and how its molecules, through a large network of interactions, can process information of its environment and control the production of different molecules to achieve a balance in supply and demand. The course provides a foundation for quantitative studies of cellular processes using mathematical tools and computer simulations. The content of the course is close to contemporary research and builds from an interdisciplinary integration of knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer science. The course is divided into Theory 12 ECTS and Project 3 ECTS.
Expected learning outcomes
After finishing the course the student should be able to: - analyse complex biological systems by using mathematical and scientific skills. - quantitatively describe the synthesis and regulation of different macromolecules; how often, how much and for how long? - formulate mathematical models of cellular processes and estimate their model parameters. - describe how the cell, through signal molecules, internally distributes information about its environment and through which biochemical processes the cell control its main functions. - briefly describe the current research in the subject. - present results orally and in written. - critically evaluate and analyse given results.
Required Knowledge
Eligibility requirements are 120 ECTS in science or engineering (Including Analysis 1 and 2, Linear Algebra and Differential equations), or equivalent
Form of instruction
The course is taught in lectures, classes in connection to problem solving, group seminars and in supervised computer labs.
Examination modes
Examinations are conducted by a written examination by the end of the course and by written and oral presentation of the project work. This can be combined with other examination forms. The grades are set once the written exam and the project work are finished. On the laboratory work is given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G). For the written exam is given one of the grades 5 Pass with distinction, 4 Pass with merit, 3 Pass, VG Pass with distinction, G Pass, U Fail. On the whole the course is given one of the grades 5 Pass with distinction, 4 Pass with merit, 3 Pass, VG Pass with distinction, G Pass, U Fail. To pass the course all examinations and compulsory projects must be approved. Those who pass the exam are not permitted a reexam for a higher grade. A student who has failed on two exams for a course or part of a course, are entitled to have appointed a new examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (HF 6 kap. § 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the Head of the Department of Plant Physiology.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
