Biological Sciences

This course discusses, at a detailed molecular level, different cellular and genetic processes that are the basis of life as we know it. The course aims to familiarize students with further knowledge in the field of cell biology, which enables them to better understand and appreciate the newest developments in this research area. Discussions revolve around general cell biological topics such as the role of membranes, membrane transport of small molecules, the nuclear architecture, the organization of the genome, regulation of transcription and translation, protein trafficking, the cell cycle and maintenance of genomic integrity, programmed cell death, and senescence. The last task, dealing with cancer, serves as an integration task; knowledge of the previous topics is required to appreciate what the consequences can be when a cell goes astray, and the defense mechanisms of the body fail. Prerequisites: Introduction to Biology.

Students research a self-chosen topic and develop an extended research essay under the direct tutelage of an appointed mentor. Students engage in conversation with teachers who are experts in the subject being studied. These tutorials allow students to develop their own ideas under the direct supervision of a tutor.

This course teaches the intricacies of the interaction between animal and plant parasites and their host. The focus is on current topics in the field of host-parasite interactions, including recent insights from many other disciplines such as ecology, soil biology, molecular and cell biology, plant and animal physiology, biotechnology, immunology, and genetics. Besides developing a more integrative view of host-parasite interactions as a broad biological phenomenon, students also discuss how this knowledge can be translated into better human, animal, and plant health. This course uses the development of effective writing skills help to deepen the understanding of a topic.

The main focus of this course is the structure and function of limnic ecosystems. It presents recent theories and models about physical processes and biogeochemical cycles in relation to organisms and their interactions. In this context, the course discusses the microbial loop and trophic interaction hypotheses. Moreover, human's influence on the limnic ecosystem is illustrated. The course also includes training in chemical analysis and water sampling technique as well as exercises in species knowledge of phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish. Teaching is performed as lectures, workshops, and group discussions. During one week, students get experience in field sampling in oligotrophic lakes at the Aneboda Field Station in Småland. In addition, a eutrophic lake in Scania is studied during a one-day excursion. Collected samples are analyzed for water chemistry and organisms, and data are interpreted in lake-systems perspective. All field work is carried out as several group projects that are planned and designed in advance by the students under teacher supervision.