Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Genetics

Presentation

This curricular unit (UC) aims to give the biological bases directly involved in behavior, so that students understand its relevance and applicability in studies of psychology. For this, basic notions of cell biology and genetics will be given, fundamental to the basic understanding of neurophysiology and neurosciences. Known interactions with behavior at the human body level it will be addressed in greater detail the nervous and endocrine systems, focusing on the particularities underlying the functioning of neuronal cells and synaptic transmission mechanisms. All syllabus are covered from an evolutionary perspective, which will allow students to better integrate future knowledge in the fields of ethology.

Part of this Programme

Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT35-15391

Recommended complementary curricular units

Not applicable

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

Unit 1: Biological Basis of Behavior (Introduction)

1. Evolution and Natural Selection Basics
2. Nature versusNature
3. The nervous system
4. The endocrine system
5. Biology of social behavior

Unit 2: The Cell - Basic Life Unit

1. Structural and functional organization of eukaryotic cell
2. Biological membranes and substance transfer between cell and medium
3. Structure and function of glial neurons and cells
4. Neuronal activity, synapses and neurotransmitters

Unit 3: Genetics and Heredity

1. DNA, RNA and protein synthesis
2. Cell cycle: meiosis and mitosis
3. Hereditary transmission mechanisms: genotype, phenotype and epigenetics
4. Mendelian Genetics
5. Most common human genetic disorders: implications in psychology

Objectives

In this UC by providing students with basic biological and genetic knowledge, it is intended that they can better understand psychological processes and, at the same time, reflect critically and informedly on issues important to humanity, such as bioethics.

It is, also, intended that students acquire and systematize knowledge about the structural and molecular organization of the cell, as well as the mechanisms underlying its normal functioning, with particular focus on the nervous system. Equally important is the acquisition of basic concepts of genetics, with a particular focus on heredity.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

The classes will be as interactive as possible so the teacher asks the essential questions to be answered and seeks the collaboration of students. Classes will be theoretical and practical, with a mixed evaluation. During the practical classes, the contents addressed in the theoretical classes are reinforced with experimental observations and practical case analysis, consolidating them with the performance of different activities. The continuous assessment will be performed as follows: 1) two individual tests without consultation (30% + 30%); 2) questionnaire with multiple-choice questions (20%); 3) group work with oral presentation (20%). Attendance at classes is required, either in person or by e-learning. If failed during the continuous evaluation, students have a written exam (including all theoretical and practical), with 100% weighting in the final grade. The student must obtain a minimum grade of 10 values.

References

• Azevedo, C. & Sunkel, C.E. (2012). Biologia Celular e Molecular, 5ª ed. Lidel, Lisboa.
• Brandão, M. L. (2004). As bases biológicas do comportamento: introdução à neurociência. Editora Pedagógica e Universitária, São Paulo.
• Gilbert, S. F. & Barresi, M. J. F. (2016). Developmental Biology, 10th ed. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Massachusetts.
• Gleitman, H., Fridlund, A., Reisberg, D. (2014). Psicologia, 10ª ed. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisboa.
• Karp, G. (2013). Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments - 7th ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
• Lodish H., Berk, A., Kaiser, C.A., Krieger, M., Bretscher, A. Ploegh, H., Amon, A. & Scott, M.P. (2012). Molecular Cell Biology - 7th ed. W. H. Freeman and Company, New York.
• Starr, C. & McMillan, B. (2013). Human biology, 10th ed. Brooks/Cole, Belmont, USA.

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