Prerequisites:

First-cycle Bologna degree or a university degree in the natural sciences.

Content (Syllabus outline):

• Chemical constituents of life and biomolecules
• Cell structure and function
• Cellular respiration and metabolism
• Photosynthesis
• DNA structure and replication
• Protein synthesis
• Gene expression
• Circulation and digestion
• Excretion
• Hormones
• Gas exchange
• Reproduction
• Nerve cell function
• Muscle cell function

Readings:

• Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Jackson, R. B. (2013). Campbell biology. Pearson Higher Education AU. Selected articles.
• Selected articles from scientific journals.

Objectives and competences:

The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the basics of biological processes. The course will define and explain processes from the lowest levels, such as the organization of living matter, to complex processes such as metabolism and digestion, reproduction, locomotion, and nerve cell function. During the lectures about individual biological processes, students will gain the insight into how these processes differ between main groups of organisms, and how this reflects their biology. With a short seminar paper, they will gather experience in independent information gathering of selected topics, and their meaningful implementation into the topic of biological processes.

Intended learning outcomes:

• Understanding of the basics of main biological processes.
• Insight into how biological processes differ between main groups of organisms.

Assessment:

Oral exam (50 %), short seminar, presentation (50 %).