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Åbo Akademi University 2014/2015
ÅBO CAMPUS
The structure of biological membranes
8 credits
Advanced level
Self-study course
Offered: Upon agreement during the academic year
Contact person: J Peter Slotte
Aims: to introduce the student to the essentials of membrane
structure and function
Target audience: Master's level
Form of assessment: written examination
Course literature: Yeagle: The structure of biological mem-
branes, 2 ed
Literature studies in Microbiology
5 credits
Intermediate level
Self-study course
Offered: Upon agreement during the academic year
Contact person: Pia Roos-Mattjus
Target audience: Master's level
Aims: to introduce the student to the essentials of microbiol-
ogy
Form of assessment: Written examination
Course literature: Willey et al: Prescott's Principles ofMicrobiol-
ogy 1st ed, McGraw-Hill
Project work in research groups
12-25 credits
Intermediate to advanced level
Practical course
Offered: Upon agreement during the academic year
Lecturer(s): J Peter Slotte and others
Aims: To gain experience in laboratory work and research
techniques in various scientific disciplines
Contents: Laboratorywork in selected research groups (check
web site for group presentations)
Target audience: Master's level
Form of assessment: written laboratory reports
Course literature: handouts
Cell Biology
The cell is the smallest unit of life and all living organisms
consist of cells. In order to understand the basis of life, it is of
utmost importance to knowhow cells live, why they die, their
life cycle, their behaviour, as well as their differentiation and
formation into tissues and organs. By observing disturbances
in these cellular functions, we are also able to obtain informa-
tion that can be of great value for understanding different
kinds of diseases.
The studies in Cell Biology are divided into three levels: basic
level studies (1st year), intermediate level studies (2nd and 3rd
year) and advanced level studies (4th and 5th year). The first
and second level formtheBachelor's degree and the advanced
level aim at a Master's degree. The Cell Biology curriculum
is also closely linked to the recently established Master's
Degree Programme in Biomedical Imaging, which started in
Åbo in September 2010 (please see also this publication for
more details). The programme is jointly administered by the
Department of Biosciences at AboAkademi University and the
Faculty of Medicine at the University of Turku. The two-year
full-time programme contains courses given by both universi-
ties in the areas of biomedical imaging and leads to a Master
of Science (M.Sc.) degree, 120 cr, in Biomedical Imaging. The
programme is intended for students with a B.Sc. degree in
the Life Sciences or applicable areas of biomedical sciences,
physics, chemistry or engineering, and it provides students
with cutting-edge knowledge and good practical skills in
imaging methods ranging from molecular and cellular to
tissue and clinical imaging. Formal participation in the M.Sc.
programme requires approval to the programme through
an official application process. However, many courses are
open to all students. More information about the programme:
/
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ment/19112
Requirements and prerequisites
The basic level courses are suitable for all students who have a
background or interest in biosciences. Participation in courses
at the basic level does not require previous knowledge. Partici-
pation in the intermediate level and advanced level courses
require basic understanding of cell and molecular biology
as well as biochemistry. In addition, some courses may have
more specific requirements for participation. The number of
participants may be limited for some courses due to practical
reasons. This concerns in particular the laboratory courses.
Introduction to cell biology
221006.0/ÅA_1901
3 credits
Basic level
Lectured course
Offered: Autumn 2014
Lecturer: John Eriksson
Learning objectives: The course will introduce the ultra struc-
ture of the cell, cellular organelles, the relationship between
structure and function, the basics of cellular metabolism and
the basics of cell signaling. The course will also describe the
principles of cell division and differentiation.
Teaching methods: Lectures, exercises.
Forms of examination: Examination and evaluation of course
work
Laboratory basic course
221008.0/ÅA_1902
2 credits
Basic level
Lecture and laboratory course
Offered: Autumn 2014
Lecturer: Diana Toivola
Learning objectives: The course will teach students basic
laboratory techniques, including pipetting, weighing, pH
measurements and good laboratory practice. Students will
also learn basic laboratory safety issues.
Teaching methods: Lectures, exercises, laboratory work.
Forms of examination: For passing the course the attendant
needs to participate in exercises, home assignments, quizzes
and laboratory work as well as report on the laboratory work.
Advanced Microscopy
223074.05 credits
Advanced level
Lecture and laboratory course
Offered: Autumn 2014
Lecturer: Diana Toivola
Learning objectives: Theoretical and practical knowledge in
fluorescence techniques, confocal microscopy as well as other
advanced microscopy techniques.
Teachingmethods: Lectures, demonstrations, practical labora-
