Biological Sciences

This course provides a broad overview of the field of bioinformatics, with a focus on practical application and interpretation of results from tools used in everyday biological research. Assumed Knowledge in MAT15403 Statistics 2.

This is a general nutrition course that addresses the relation between nutrition and human health and is primarily aimed at food technology students. The course addresses study design process, nutrient metabolism, micronutrients, and targeted nutrition. Basic knowledge on Nutrition (FCH11306 Nutritional Aspects of Foods) required.

This course focuses on the functions of the animal cell integrated into tissue, covering and discussing regulation of Cell-to-Cell Junction, Cell-Cell Communication, Cell Signaling Pathways, Cell Division and Cell Death.  

Recommended course prerequisites at ICU: Foundation of Biology and Basic Concepts in Cell Biology. 

At the end of the course, the student possesses in-depth knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying genome editing methodologies in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and the main applications in biotechnology. In particular, the student is able to: 1) analyze and discuss topics concerning the basic mechanisms and applications of these methodologies; 2) understand and critically analyze the biomolecular literature.

This course covers: basic concepts concerning nucleic acids in the cell; chemical structure of nucleic acids; physical structures of DNA and RNA molecules; genetic code, genes and genomes; physical structure of genetic material: bacterial chromosomes (chromatin), eukaryotic chromatin, higher order chromatin structures; DNA recombination; the biological role of homologous recombination; molecular mechanisms of homologous recombination in bacterial cells and in eukaryotic cells; non-homologous recombination; site-specific recombination; mechanisms of DNA repair; types of DNA lesions; pathways and mechanisms of DNA repair: DNA photolyase, Nucleotide Excision Repair, Base Excision Repair, Mismatch Repair; repair mechanisms of DNA double-strand breaks: Nonhomologous end-joining and homologous recombination repair; conventional approaches used for genome-editing: homologous recombination, chemical methods and approaches based on homing endonucleases; genome-editing approaches based on modern methodologies using sequence-specific all-protein nucleases: mega-nucleases, zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs); and genome-editing approaches based on methodologies using RNA-guided nucleases: Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-CAS systems).

The course includes an individual laboratory activity where the CRISPR-Cas9 system is used to specifically target and cleave a gene sequence of interest. The aim is to evaluate how introduced mutations affect target recognition and cleavage efficiency by the endonuclease.

Biology, the science of life, studies organisms as the basic units of life. How they evolved, how they are built up, how they act, how they communicate with each other, how they are related to the non-living environment, and how they reproduce. The course starts with biomolecules and reactions that enable life, followed by tasks about organelles, cells, DNA, and the protein machinery that results in the diversity of cells. The course continues with cell growth and differentiation, metabolism, and reproduction. The end of the course goes into organ systems and evolutionary mechanisms that ultimately provide the biodiversity on planet Earth.

This course covers review topics restricted to life sciences. Enrolled students conduct research project or literature review exercise on a mutually agreed topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Approval of the course instructor is needed for students to enroll in this course. Graded P or F.

This course is designed to give an in-depth knowledge of structure and function of neurons, neuronal communication and muscle. Major topics include a) The detailed structure of neurones and muscle cells, b) The biophysical membrane properties of these cells, c) Ion fluxes and permeabilities, d) Synaptic transmission, e) Excitation/contraction coupling and cell signalling. Parallel computer simulated assignments complement the lecture material in addition to an assignment on muscle function and EMG measurements.

This course provides an understanding of the structure and function of macromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and introduces key molecular biology techniques, thereby laying a solid foundation for medical research.

This course surveys major marine organisms and the habitats and community structures in which they occur, with emphasis on trophic interactions and the functioning of marine ecosystems. The course examines how environmental conditions, biological adaptations, and ecological processes influence the distribution and organization of marine life. Attention is also given to marine resources and their use by humans, as well as to the design, implementation, and interpretation of marine ecological research.

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to: Understand the chemical and biological composition of soils and their importance for ecosystem functioning; explain the role of microbial biodiversity in biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S) and soil health; analyze the interactions between soil microorganisms, soil fauna and plants; assess the effects of global changes on soil biological functioning; use scientific concepts and terminologies to describe soil biological and biochemical processes and their environmental implications; and relate theoretical knowledge to case studies applied to sustainable management and climate change mitigation. Topics include: 

Soil Biochemistry and Functionality:
- Soil composition: organic and inorganic components.
- Chemical properties: pH, cation/anion exchange capacity, adsorption.
- Microbial enzyme activity and nutrient cycling (C, N, P).
- Role of organic matter in regulating ecosystem services.
- Strategies for soil management and climate resilience.
Soil Biology and Global Changes:
- Microbial biodiversity and interactions with soil fauna.
- Microbial regulation of biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S).
- Impacts of climate change, land use and pollution on soil biology.
- Role of soil in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage.
- Soil-climate feedback mechanisms.