DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)
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FIRST YEAR-COURSES IN ENGLISH
26510 - CHEMISTRY 1st year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
SECTION I (CHEMICAL BONDING, BI)
Unit 0. Inorganic nomenclature
Unit 1 (U1). Mass relationships in chemical reactions. Atomic and molar mass. Mol
definition. Empirical and molecular formulas. Reactions stoichiometry. Adjusting
chemical reactions. Limiting reagent and chemical yield. Concentrations units.
Unit 2 (U2). Chemical bonding and structure. The ionic bond and lattice energy. The
covalent bond: electronegativity, Lewis structures, resonance, bond enthalpy, molecular
geometry and dipole moment. Valence bond theory: Hybridization. Molecular Orbital
Theory: bonding, antibonding and delocalized molecular orbitals.
SECTION II (ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, BII)
Unit 3 (U3). Hydrocarbons. Structure and composition of organic molecules. Nomenclature
and physical propierties of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes. Aromatic hydrocarbons.
Unit 4 (U4). Functional groups. Definition of functional group. Structure, nomenclature and
physical propieties of organic compound containing functional groups.
Unit 5 (U5). Organic stereochemistry. Geometric isomerism. Conformations of acyclic
compounds. Conformational analysis of cyclohexanes and another cyclic compounds. Chiral
molecules. Optical activity. Absolute configuration: R and S rules. Molecules with more than
one stereocenters: diasteroisomers. Resolution and separation of diasteroisomers and
enantiomers.
Unit 6 (U6). Organic reactivity. Reactions in organic chemistry. Reaction intermediates.
Addition reactions. Elimination reactions. Substitution reactions.
SECTION III (THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS, BIII)
Unit 7 (U7). Thermochemistry. Enthalpy. Calorimetry. Standard enthalpy of formation and
rection. Heat of solution and dilution. First law of thermodynamic. Spontaneous processes
and entropy. Second law of thermodinamic. Gibss free energy. Free energy and chemical
equilibrium.
Unit 8 (U8). Chemical equilibrium. Chemical equilibrium concept. Law of mass action, Kc.
Reaction quotient. Factors that affect the chemical equilibrium. Hetereogeneous equilibria.
Unit 9 (U9). Chemical kinetics. Reaction rate. Reaction rate law. The relation between the
reactant concentration and time. Factors that affect the reaction rates. Reaction
mechanisms. Catalysis. The relation between chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium.
SECTION IV (SOLUTIONS AND THEIR PROPERTIES, BIV)
Unit 10 (U10). Chemical and physical properties of solutions. Intramolecular forces. Liquid
state: structure and properties of water. Phase changes. Phase diagrams. A molecular viwe
of the solution process. Types of solution. The effect of the temperature on solubility. The
DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)
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effect of pressure on solubility of gases. Colligative properties of nonelectrolyte and
electrolyte solutions.
Unit 11 (U11). Acid-base equilibria. Brönsted acids and bases. The acid-base properties of
water and the pH scale. Strenght of acids and bases. Molecular structure and acid strength.
Some typical acid-base reactions. Lewis acids and bases. Weak acids. Weak bases.
Polyprotic acids. Acid-base properties of salt. The common ion effect. Buffer solutions.
Unit 12 (U12). Electrochemistry. Redox reactions. Standard reduction potential.
Thermodynamics of the redox reaction. Batteries. Corrosion.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
Practice 1 (P1). Stoichiometry workshop.
Practice 2 (P2). Chemical bonding workshop.
Practice 3 (P3). Mollecular models: nomenclature
Practice 4 (P4). Mollecular models: nomenclature
Practice 5 (P5). Mollecular models: nomenclature
Practice 6 (P6). Organic chemistry reactivity
Practice 7 (P7). Thermodynamics and kinetics workshop
Practice 8 (P8). Acid-base titrations
26511 – FUNDAMENTALS OF MATHEMATICS 1st year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
CONTENTS:
Introduction to mathematical language. Matrices and systems of linear equations. Vector
spaces and linear applications. Functions of a real variable: derivatives and integrals.
Introduction to differential equations.
B0: INTRODUCTION
T1: Introduction to mathematical language. Notation. Basics of propositional logic.
B1: ALGEBRA
T2: Matrices and systems of linear equations. 2.1 Matrices. 2.2 Determinants. Range.
2.3 Solution of linear systems. The Gauss method. 2.4 The Cramer method.
T3: Vector spaces and linear applications. 3.1 Linear applications. 3.2 Properties of the
linear applications. 3.3 Algebraic operations with linear applications. 3.4 Usages of matrix
calculus in the study of linear applications. 3.5 Change of basis. 3.6 Similar Matrices. 3.7
Determinants. 3.8 Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors. 3.9 Diagonalization of a matrix.
B2: ANALYSIS
T4: Functions of a real variable: continuity and límit. 4.1 Definition of “Function”.
Domain and range. 4.2 Límits and continuity. 4.3 Theorems about continuous functions.
T5: Differential calculus in one variable. 5.1 Derivative of a function. 5.2 Computing
the derivative. Chain rule. 5.3 Theorems about derivative functions. 5.4 Interpretation of
the derivative. 5.5 Study of functions. Increasing, decreasing, maximum and minimum.
Concavity and convexity. Graphical representation of functions. 5.6 l’Hôpital rule.
Indeterminations (or indeterminate forms). 5.7 Usage in Optimization problems. 5.8
Taylor’s formula.
T6: Integral calculus of a variable. 6.1. Primitive integrals calculus. 6.2 Definite integrals.
DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)
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6.3 Area of a plane figure. Concept of definite integral. 6.4 Properties of the definite
integral. 6.5 Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. 6.6 Applications of a Definite
Integral. Volume of a solid of revolution. Arc Lenght of a curve and Area of a Surface of
revolution.
T7: Differential equations 7.1. Definition of differential equation (D.E.) Nomenclature and
examples. Classification of D.E. Solution techniques for first-order D.E. 7.4 Specific study of
second-order D.E. 7.5 n-order linear D.E. Solution techniques. 7.6 General comment about
systems. Definition and nomenclature. Classification of linear systems 7.7 Solution
methods. 7.8 Predator-Pray models: Lotka-Volterra systems
26512 – BIOLOGY 1st year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
Part I [3 units] 5 h. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF LIFE: PREBIOTIC CONDITIONS AND
BIOMOLECULES.
Unit 1. Definition of life.
1.1.-History of the biological knowledge. Conceptual and methodological milestones.
1.2.-Conceptualization and problems of the definition of life.
1.3.-The pyramid of life. The unexplored biosphere.
1.4.-Present perspectives of Biology
Unit 2. The origin of life on Earth.
2.1.-Theories on the origin of life. Current paradigms.
2.2.-Chemical foundations of the life. Origin of the organic molecules.
2.3.-Origin of the first cells.
Unit 3. Life and history of Earth. A spatial-temporal perspective.
3.1.- History of Earth: relevant characteristics for life. Exobiology.
3.2.-Dating the origin of life.
3.3.-Evolution and geological chronology. Explosion of diversity and extinction.
3.4.-Terrestrial dynamics and cartography of biomes
3.5.-Evidences of the evolutionary process.
3.6.-Can hypotheses on the evolution be subjected to experimentation?
Part II [1 unit] 2 h. PROTOCELLS, PROKARYOTIC AND EUKARYOTIC CELLS. DIVERSIFICATION
AND CELL DIFFERENTIATION.
Unit 4. Protocells. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 4.1.-Protocells: Self-organization of
organic molecules. 4.2.- Anaerobic prokaryotes: early organisms. 4.3. Capture of light
energy. The crisis of oxygen. 4.4.-Origin of the eukaryotic cell. Endosymbiosis and
phagocytosis. 4.5. Evolution of the eukaryotic cell. Aerobic metabolism. Organelles. 4.6.
Origin of multicellularity. Cell aggregates. Cell types.
Part III [2 units] 4 h. ACQUISITION OF THE INTRA-CELULLAR ENVIRONMENT. CELLULAR AND
TISSUE ORGANIZATION. RELATED STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS.
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Unit 5. Levels of biological organization. Acquisition of the intra-cellular environment:
homeostasis. 5.1.- Spectrum of levels of biological organization. 5.2. Acquisition of the
internal environment. Homeostasis. 5.3 Homeostatic imbalance. Stress and disease. 5.4
Structure and organization of multicellular beings. 5.5. Plant and animal tissues. Specific
function.
Unit 6. Organs, systems and functions.
6.1.-Organization in plants. Structure of root, stem and leaves.
6.2.-Vital processes in vegetables. Growth. Transpiration. Photosynthesis.
6.3.-Vital processes in animals.
6.4.-Mitosis and meiosis. Reproduction in plants and animals.
6.5.-Embryology.
Part IV [4 units] 5 h FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS AND DYNAMIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN
ORGANISMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Unit 7. The order in the natural world. 7.1. The study at different scales of organisms in their
environment: areas of Ecology. 7.2 How has the human species affected to natural
processes? 7.3 Application of Ecology to the environmental crises: the biodiversity crisis.
Causes. Global Change 7.4.-Biosphere, biomes, regions, landscapes and other
ecosystems.
Unit 8. Organisms in physical environments (I).
8.1.- Organism-environment relations. The autoecological perspective inside the
community.
8.2.-Limiting factors: Limit of tolerance. Physiological and ecological optimum. “Eury-” and
“steno-” organisms.
8.3.-Concept of niche and habitat. Generalist and specialist species.
8.4.-Adaptability and Adaptation. Ecotypes.
Unit 9. Organisms in physical environments (II).
9.1.- Environmental factors as a resource
Unit 10. Ecosystems over time.
10.1.-Interactions in populations and communities: competition, predation, parasitism,
mutualism, commensalism.
10.2.-Successions.
10.3.- Flows of energy. Biomass and Production.
10.4.-Trophic Levels and food chains.
10.5.-Introduction to biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus).
Part V [2 units] 3 h. EVOLUTION OF THE LIVING ORGANISMS.
Unit 11. Evolution: processes and evolutionary models. 11.1. Pre-Darwinian evolutionary
theories. The Darwinian paradigm. 11.2.-Evolution: fact and theory. Foundations of the
Evolutionary Theory. 11.3. Natural Selection, biological effectiveness and adaptation.
11.4. Evolutionary interactions: sexual selection and Coevolution. 11.5 Micro and
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Macroevolution. Genetic drift.
Unit 12. Definition of species. Models and mechanisms of speciation
12.1.-Main concepts of species.
12.2.-Types and causes of the speciation. Adaptive radiation.
12.3.-Modes of speciation.
Part VI [1 unit] 2 h. PHYLOGENY AND CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANISMS
Unit 13. Phylogeny, classification and biological nomenclature.
13.1.- Phylogeny, ontogeny and evolution.
13.2 Taxonomy and Systematics. Schools and taxonomic methods.
13.3 Levels and taxonomic categories. Biological nomenclature.
Part VII [6 units] 9 h. EVOLUTION AND DIVERSITY OF THE LIVING ORGANISMS
Unit 14. Domains and Kingdoms in Nature. Viruses and Prokaryotes. 14.1. Brief history of
the evolution of the Nature Kingdoms 14.2 Domains, kingdoms and supergroups. The
tree of life. 14.3. Viruses: at the border of life. 14.4. Prokaryotic diversity: Bacteria and
Archaea.
Unit 15. Eukaryotic Diversity. 15.1 Main evolutionary lines of eukaryotes. 15.2 Diversity and
leading groups of protozoa. 15.3 Chromoalveolata: Dinoflagellates, Diatoms,
Pseudofungi and Phaeophyceae (Brown algae).
Unit 16. Plants
16.1.-Main evolutionary lines.
16.2.-Diversity of red algae (Rodophyta).
16.3.- Green algae, ancestral lineage of embryophytes.
16.4.- Seedless Plants: bryophyte, licophyta and ferns.
16.5.- Seed Plants: gymnosperms and angiosperms.
Unit 17. Fungi
17.1.-Diversity and characteristics of the true fungi (Eumycota).
17.2.-Main lineages: zygomycota, ascomycota and basidiomycota.
17.3.-Fungus associations: Lichens and Mycorrhiza.
17.4.-Evolutionary position of the fungi.
Unit 18. Animals (I): evolution and diversity
18.1.-Biological Characteristics of the Metazoa. Biodiversity.
18.2.-Body Plan
18.3.-Evolutionary history of the metazoa. Main lineages
18.4.- Parazoa, primitive metazoa. Sponges.
18.5.-Non bilateral Eumetazoa. Cnidaria.
Unit 19. Animals (II): evolution and diversity
19.1.-Bilateria Eumetazoa: evolution and diversification.
19.1.1.-Biology and diversity of protostomes lophotrochozoa. Molluscs.
19.1.2.-Biology and diversity of protostomes ecdysozoa. Arthropods.
19.1.3.-Biology and diversity of deuterostomes. Chordates.
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Part VIII [1 unit] 1 h. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
Unit 20
20.1.-Biodiversity: basic concepts.
20.2.-Crutial points of biodiversity.
20.3.-Human impact on biodiversity.
20.4.-Introduction to Conservation Biology
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
LAB PRACTICE 1
Observation of biological material: Use of binocular magnifying glass and microscope. In
vivo observation of organisms. Importance of the size of living beings and structural and
functional implications. Comparative structural variability of representative organisms
of the different kingdoms. Observation and representation of structures and organisms
with different traits and sizes; from bacteria to small arthropods, algae, fungi and
plants. Analysis of relevant characteristics of instruments and observation protocols.
Learning objectives: Identify the nature of the major groups of living organisms by
comparing their structural and behavioral complexity. Special attention to the meaning
of the size in relation to the capabilities and the ecological implications of each form of
life. Representative organisms composing several of the tree of life’s kingdoms are
used.
LAB PRACTICE 2
Molecules and organelles composing the human beings: identification and location in plant
tissues. Seed, fruit and root sections. Oxalates, lignin, suberin, etc. Processes and
metabolic functions in living beings. Mitosis observation in meristematic root cells. The
transmission of information in the diversification process of living beings.
Learning objectives: Find different molecules and organelles in cells and corresponding
tissues and in the parts of organisms where transmissible information is enclosed.
Identify chromosomal structures by selective simple staining.
LAB PRACTICE 3
Aerial growth and conduction in vascular plants. Photosynthetic pigments. Characteristics of
the vascular tissues in plants and indicators of growth rates. Observation of growth
processes (elongation, formation of leaves, flower buds and bloom formation), and
comparison of anatomical structures of vascular bundle (stele) and other tissue plant in
Gymnosperms and Angiosperms (mono- and dicotyledonous). Quantification of
chlorophyll content in a surface of leaf fragment. Quantification of chlorophyll content
with spectrophotometry method. Learning objectives: Emphasize the dependence of all
types of living organisms on the environment. Know the environmental characteristics
in order to understand both the anatomical and morphological features and the
physiological and behavioral responses that translate into changes in the abundance,
diversity and distribution of these organisms.
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LAB PRACTICE 4
Visualising samples of microscopic organisms from different environments. Practical
introduction to nomenclature and biological classification ( 2,5 hours).
Microcosm study. Sampling Methodology. Anatomical and morphological study of
representative microscopic organisms. Problems with the taxonomy. Practical
resolution of the nomenclature and biological classification problems.
Required equipment: Binocular glasses, microscopes and adapted camera, colourings and
reagents for microscopy, identification guides, computer and video projector.
Learning Objectives:
Analyse the basic morphology of the main groups of microscopic organisms, in the aquatic
and terrestrial environments. Develop skills for handling the equipment and
instruments for the study of the living organisms. Understand the basic principles of
taxonomy and biological nomenclature.
PRACTICE 5.
Comparative study and recognition of organisms from the main vegetal groups and
evolutionary lineages.
( 3 hours).
Recognition of morphologic plans. Identification and study of morphologic structures. Main
tissues. Understanding the structural complexity of the plants.
Required equipment: Binocular glasses, microscopes, camera connected to a magnifying
glass, computer and video projector, specialized bibliography, preserved and living
samples.
Learning Objectives:
Know the diversity of the world of plants. Recognize the main morphologic characteristics
of the studied types. Acquire skills for handling and preserving samples, and for the
study of the analysed organisms.
PRACTICE 6.
Comparative study and recognition of organisms from the main animal groups and
evolutionary lineages.
( 3 hours).
Recognition of morphologic plans. Identification and study of morphologic structures. Main
tissues. To understand the structural complexity of the animals.
Required equipment: Binocular glasses, microscopes, camera connected to a magnifying
glass, computer and video projector, specialized bibliography, preserved and living
samples.
Learning Objectives:
Know the diversity of the animal world. Recognize the main morphologic characteristics of
the studied types. Acquire skills for handling and preserving samples, and for the study
of the analysed organisms.
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FIELD PRACTICALS:
Santa Pola - Arenales del Sol. (5 hours).
Ecology part: Introduction to environments and ecosystems in coastal landscape
heterogeneity. Basic description of gradients (Cline) coast. Characterization of wealth
and indirect rates of primary production. Data and information will be obtained in order
to solve ecological problems. CARN Part (Department of Environmental Science and
Natural Resources): Observation and capture on-site of diversity of plants and animals,
taking samples that will be studied in the lab sessions.
26513 – GENETICS 1st year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
COURSE PRESENTATION (1 h.)
1. INTRODUCTION TO GENETICS (1 h.)
1.1. Genetics in Biology and society
2. GENERAL ASPECTS OF HEREDITY (10 h.)
2.1. Mendel and the basic principles of inheritance
2.1.1. Patterns of single-gene inheritance (1 h.)
2.1.2. Independent transmission of genes. (1 h.)
2.2. The chromosomal basis of inheritance
2.2.1. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes (1 h.)
2.2.2. Cell division: mitosis and meiosis (1 h.)
2.2.3. Sex determination and sex-linked inheritance. Cytoplasmic inheritance. (1 h.)
2.3. Modes of inheritance in pedigrees. Genetic basis of human pathologies. (1 h.)
2.4. Gene interactions and gene-environment interactions
2.4.1. Interactions between alleles of the same gene. Dominance variations. Multiple and
lethal alleles. (1 h.)
2.4.2. Interactions between alleles of different genes. Epistasis. (1 h.)
2.4.3. Penetrance and expressivity. Environmental effects. (1 h.)
2.4.4. Quantitative inheritance. (1 h.)
3. GENETIC MAPPING (4 h.)
3.1. Chromosome mapping in eukaryotes
3.1.1. Linkage detection. Recombination frequency and its use in mapping (1 h.)
3.1.2. Mapping with molecular markers. Physical maps. (1 h.)
3.2. Chromosome mapping in prokaryotes and viruses
3.2.1. Bacterial conjugation. Transformation. Transduction. (1 h.)
3.2.2. Genetics of bacteriophages and other viruses (1 h.)
4. THE GENERATION OF GENETIC VARIATION (7 h.)
4.1. The molecular nature of the gene
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4.1.1. The concept of gene. (1 h.)
4.1.2. Determination of metabolic pathways. (1 h.)
4.1.3. The complementation assay. (1 h.)
4.2. Gene expression. (1 h.)
4.2.1. Transcription.
4.2.2. Translation. The genetic code.
4.3. Gene mutations. (1 h.)
4.3.1. Types and origin of mutations.
4.3.2. Phenotypic effects of mutations.
4.4. Chromosome mutations.
4.4.1. Variation in chromosome structure. (1 h.)
4.4.2. Variation in chromosome number. (1 h.)
4.4.3. Chromosome mutations and evolution.
5. POPULATION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (5 h.)
5.1. Population genetics. (1 h.)
5.1.1. Genetic structure of populations.
5.1.1.1 Variation in natural populations.
5.1.1.2. Genotype and allele frequencies.
5.1.2. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model (1 h.)
5.2. Evolutionary genètics
5.2.1. Evolutionary forces.
5.2.1.1. Mutation and migration. (1 h.)
5.2.1.2. Natural selection and genetic drift (1 h.)
5.2.2. Speciation and evolution. (1 h.)
5.2.2.1 Mechanisms of speciation and reproductive isolation mechanisms
5.2.2.2. Selectionism and neutralism.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
Practical 1. Pea plant Genetics. Mendel’s Laws. Computer practice. 2 h.
Practical 2. Phenotypic segregation analysis in maize. Lab practice. 2 h.
Practical 3. Drosophila melanogaster..Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses. Linkage and
recombination maps. Lab practice. 2 h.
Practical 4. Auxotrophy and complementation in microorganisms. Lab practice. 8 h.
Practical 5. Population genetics and evolution. Computer practice. 2 h.
Practical 6. Genetics of PTC tasting in humans. Lab practice. 3 h.
Problems discussion Practice. Students will discuss the solutions to representative problems
related to topics addressed in theoretical lectures. 10 h.
Group tutorials. Problem solving activities by using a provided learning guide. 3 h.
26514 – BIOCHEMISTRY I
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
B 1. INTRODUCTION.
DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)
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T 1. Introduction. The Basis of Biochemistry. 1.1. Introduction to Biochemistry. 1.2. Water as
a sustaining life medium. 1.3. Bioenergetics.
B 2. BIOMOLECULES.
T 2. Structure and function of proteins. 2.1. Amino acids. 2.2. Peptides. Primary structure
determination. 2.3. Three-Dimensional structure and function of proteins.
T 3. Enzymes. Catalysis and enzyme kinetics. 3.1. Characteristics of biological catalysts. 3.2.
Enzyme catalysis. 3.3. Enzyme kinetics. 3.4. Enzyme regulation.
T 4.Carbohydrates. 4.1. Monosaccharides. 4.2. Oligosaccharides. 4.3. Polysaccharides. 4.4.
Glycoconjugates.
T 5. Lipids. 5.1. Chemical nature of lipids. 5.2. Types and functions of lipids
T 6. Biomembranes y transport. 6.1. Structure of cell membranes. 6.2. Solute transport
across cell membranes.
B 3. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
T 7. Structure and function of nucleic acids.7.1. Nucleotides. 7.2. Structure and function of
DNA. 7.3. Structure and function of RNA. 7.4. Genetic information.
T 8. DNA replication, recombination and repair. 8.1. DNA replication mechanisms. 8.2. DNA
damage and repair.
T 9. DNA transcription and RNA maturation. 9.1. RNA synthesis. 9.2. RNA maturation
mechanisms. 9.3. Regulation of transcription.
T 10. Translation.10.1. Genetic code. 10.2. Protein synthesis.
T 11. Recombinant DNA Technology.11.1. Gene cloning techniques. 11.2. Polymerase chain
reaction(PCR). 11.3. Techniques to obtain proteins from Recombinant DNA.
LAB_SESSIONS
P 1. Reagents preparation. P 2. Catalase enzymatic activity. P 3. Quantitative estimation of
proteins. P 4. Enzyme activity measurement of poliphenol oxidase. P 5. DNA isolation from
halophilic Archaea. Agarose gel electrophoresis. P 6. Gel-filtration chromatography. P 7.
Isolation of casein and lactose from milk.
26515 – CELLULAR BIOLOGY
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
Part I (PI): INTRODUCTION
1.1. Cell Biology as a fundamental subject of Biology. Concept, branches and interest of
study. 1.2. Cell types, according to the types of organisms: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells,
eukaryotic cells of protists, of fungi, of metaphyta and of metazoa.
Unit 1 (U1): Aspects and points of view in the study of the living organisms: structure,
function and substrate; dimension, temporality and levels of complexity. Characteristics of
the living organisms.
Unit 2 (U2): Types of organisms. Classification from the ancient to modern systems: Linneo,
Haeckel, Copeland, Whitaker, Margulis and Woese et to. Composition of the organisms
through history (from the ancient theories up to the cellular theory). Concept and branches
of the Biology.
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Unit 3 (U3): Concept and general characteristics of the " not cellular biological objects "
(Orgel CITROENS): viruses, viroids, plasmids, transposable elements, prions, etc. Concept of
cell. The origin of life and the appearance of cells. Cell types attending to the storage of the
genome (prokaryotic and eukaryotic).
Unit 4 (U4): Concept and parts of the cell Biology. Relationship between Cell Biology and
other disciplines. The importance of the cellular Biology in the training of the biologist.
Recent Nobel Prizes related to Cell Biology. Perspectives of future.
Unit 5 (U5): Prokaryotic cells: General organization and types. Differences and similarities
between Bacterium and Archaea domains. Interest of the study. Eukaryotic cells (Eucarya
domain): General organization and types. Basic differences among protist, fungi, metaphyta
and metazoa cells.
PART 2 (P2): CELL MEMBRANES AND CYTOSOL
2.1. Structure, composition and function of the cell membranes. Cell membranes and
endomembranes. Membrane domain, cell covers and cellular compartments.
2.2. Cytosolic compartment: cytosol, ribosomes, protein synthesis and postransductional
changes. Stress proteins (chaperones, ubiquitin and proteasomes)
Unit 6 (U6): Cell membranes: Cell membrane and endomembranes. Chemical composition.
Properties and characteristics of their compounds. Models of molecular organization.
Properties. Fluidity, asymmetry and diffusion of molecules. Similarities and differences
among cellular membranes in different types of organisms.
Unit 7 (U7): Functions of the cellular membranes: separation, exchange and transport, cell
signaling, metabolic activities, etc. The cell covers in different organisms. Glycocalyx:
concept and chemical composition. Concept and types of cell wall according to the
organisms. Sythesis and renewal.
Unit 8 (U8): Hyaloplasm or cytosol. Concept and chemical composition. Physical,
biochemical and morphologic characteristics. Functional meaning. Proteins of the cytosol.
The ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic system. Proteasomes. Chaperones. Hyaloplasm in
different types of organisms.
Unit 9 (U9): Ribosomes: Concept, types, structure and composition. Differences between
ribosomes of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Mitochondria and cloroplasts ribosomes.
Biogenesis of ribosomes. Protein synthesis. Functional meaning. Types of RNA and cellular
RNP and their functional meaning. MicroRNA (miRNA).
Unit 10 (U10): Substrate of the genetic information of the cell. Chromosomes in eukaryotic
cells and genophores in prokaryotics. Structure, types and molecular composition. Study
strategies. The karyotype of eukaryotic cells.
PART 3 (P3): CYTOSKELETON AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE CELL SURFACE
3.1. Cytoskeleton or cytomusculature?. Associate proteins. Microtubular organelles.
3.2 Specialization of the cell surface. Cell adhesion mechanisms and molecules.
DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)
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Unit 11 (T11): Cytoskeleton (or cytomusculature): Basic elements and study strategies. The
concept of "microtrabecular network". Actin: monomeric actin (G-actin) and MreB's
presence in prokaryotes. Actin microfilaments (F-actin). Actin-associated proteins, chemical
composition, location and functional meaning. Actin polimerization/depolimerization
mechanisms . Functional meaning.
Unit 12 (U12): Microtubules: Structure, types and location. Composition: tubulin
heterodimers (alpha, beta and gamma tubulin) in eukaryotic cells and FtsZ's presence in
prokariotic. Microtubules polimerization/depolimerization mechanisms. Microtubules –
associated proteins (MAPs), structural and motor (kinesin and dynein). Functional meaning.
Unit 13 (U13): Microtubular structures or "organelles". Classification. Centriole and basal
corpuscles. Cilia and flagella. Ciliogenesis. Functional meaning. Intermediate filaments (IFs).
Structure, types and location. Composition: Proteins of the Ifs (keratin, vimentin, desmin,
GFAP, neurofilaments). Functional meaning.
Unit 14 (U14): Cell movement. Concept and types of movement. Functional meaning.
Muscle contraction.
Unit 15 (U15): Cellular differentiation that increase the cell surface: Microvilli,
invaginations, interdigitation and stereocilia. Functional meaning. Main cell types and
tissues with these kind of differentiation. The "barrier” concept in Cell Biology.
Unit 16 (U16): Mechanisms of cell junction. Classification. Families of Cellular Adhesion
Molecules (CAMs): Cadherins, immunoglobulin, selectins, "mucins", integrins, ADAMs.
Specialized cell junctions, characteristics and meaning.
PART 4 (P4): CELL ENDOMEMBRANES
4.1. Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, vesicle and proteins transport, endosome
system and peroxisomes. Intracelluar import.
4.2. Mitochondria and exchange of matter and energy.
Unit 17 (U17): Membrane trafficking in the cell. Endomembrane system. Concept and
discussion of nomenclature. Components. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) smooth (SER) and
rough (RER). Composition, structure, location, functional meaning and study techniques.
Biogenesis of the endoplasmic reticulum.
Unit 18 (U18): Golgi complex. Concept, location and study techniques. Structure,
composition and polarization of its compounds. Functional meaning. Biogenesis. Cellular
secretion and membrane refill. Vesicle transport. Vesicle coat: clathrin and COP. SNARE
proteins.
Unit 19 (U19):Endosome system. Lisosomes. Concept, types and structure. Chemical
composition. Participation in digestion. Peroxisomes and other related organelles. Concept
of GERL and CURL systems.
Unit 20 (U20): Intracellular storage of substances or paraplasmas. Lipid deposits.
Intracellular glucids.Protein deposits. Pigments and mineral substances. Classification and
characteristics of the intracellular inclusions. Functional meaning.
Unit 21 (U21): Mitochondria (1). Structure and location. Molecular organization of the
mitochondrial memabrane. Composition of the mitochondrial compartments and matrix.
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Intramitochondrial inclusions. Study techniques.
Unit 22 (U22): Mitochondria (2). Bionergetics of the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial DNA.
Functions of the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial biogenesis. Symbiotic and episomic theory.
Plastids. Cloroplasts. Structure and molecular composition. Functional meaning. Biogenesis.
Other types of plastids.
Unit 23 (U23): Exchange of matter and energy with the environment: Basis of the cell
metabolism. Transport through the membrane. Transport of low molecular weight
substances. Transport of macromolecules and particles. Endocytosis and exocytosis. Cellular
basis of secretion.
PART 5 (P5): NUCLEUS AND CELLULAR RESPONSE
5.1. Nuclear compartments. Nucleus/cytoplasm transport. Cell cycle. Cellular
differentiation. 5.2. Cell viability, cell death and apoptosis. Cellular communication. Cancer.
Stem cells and regenerative medicine.
Unit 24 (U24): Gneral characteristics of the interphase nucleus: form, size, number,
situation. Nuclear envelope or karyotheca.:nuclear membrane, perinuclear space
and nuclear pores. Nuclear lamins, relation with the chromatin and effects of the
phosphorilation/dephosphorilation.
Nucleoplasm,
chromosomes and chromatin (eu - and heterocromatin).
Unit 25 (U25): Structure, composition and function of the nucleosome. Chromatin
condensation and decondensation. Nucleolus. Concept, structure and general
characteristics. Nucleolus-associated chromatin. Nucleolus organizer region (NOR).
Composition. Functional meaning. Transport of proteins between the cytoplasm and the
nucleus. Intranuclear inclusions.
Unit 26 (U26): Cell cycle. Concept, phases and control of the cell proliferation. Description
and comparison of the phases of mitosis and meiosis. Functional meaning. Concept and
mechanisms of the cell growth and differentiation. Cell viability. Cell death. Apoptosis.
Unit 27 (U27): Cellular communication. Electrical synapsis and chemical synapsis.
Cellular communication through channel receptors, G proteins-coupled receptors,
enzymatic receptors and through cell ahesion molecules. Second messengers system.
Cytonemes. Concept and types of neoplasia. Mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Concept and
types of stem cells. Stem cells and Regenerative and reparative medicine.
PRACTICES
1. LABORATORY SESSIONS
Practice 1 (P1): Foundations, components and use of the optical compound microscope.
Phase contrast, dark field. Physical parameters in optical microscopy.
Practice 2 (P2): Watching of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Watching of cell sizes.
Practice 3 (P3): Cell cycle. Mitosis's watching.
Practice 4 (P4): Foundations, components and use of the electronic microscope. Watching of
different cell types using electronic microscopy.
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2. CLINICAL SESSIONS
Practice 1 (PC1): Blood cells: Preparation of a blood smear. Identification of blood cells.
Agglutination reaction: Antigen - antibody. Blood groups.
Practice 2 (PC2): Male germ cells. Basic techniques for a basal semen analysis (seminogram).
Practice 3 (PC3): Clinical cytology. Exfoliative cytology in the early diagnosis of oncological
lesions.
Practice 4 (PC4): Introduction to cell culture.
26517 – PHYSICS
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
Ch1.- Biomechanics. Work and Energy.
1.1 General laws of motion.1.2 Work and power. 1.3 Kinetic and potential energy. Energy
Conservation. 1.4 Metabolic rate. Scaling laws.
Ch2.- Elastic properties of materials
2.1 Stress and Strain. 2.2 Elasticity in biological systems. 2.3 Allotropic laws. Scaling law.
Ch3.- Fluids
3.1 Static fluids. Archimedes principle. 3.2 Continuity equation. 3.3 Ideal fluids: Bernouilli
equation. Biological consequences.3.4 Viscosity. Poiseuille's law. 3.5 Circulatory system
in humans.
Ch4.- Surface phenomena.
4.1 Surface tension.4.2 Capillarity.4.3 Laplace law. Pulmonary surfactants.4.4 Ascension of
sap in trees.
Ch5.- Waves. Light and sound.
5.1 Description of an oscillatory motion. 5.2 Sound waves.5.3 Nature of light.
Electromagnetic spectrum. 5.4 Reflection and refraction. Lenses. Image formation.
Optical instruments.
Ch6.- Transport phenomena.
6.1 Particle diffusion. Osmosis.
6.2 Heat transport:
a.- Conduction
b.- Convection
c.- Radiation
6.3 Applications in Biology.
Ch7.- Bioelectromagnetism
7.1 Interaction between charged particles: Coulomb law. 7.2 Electric field, electric potential
energy and potential difference. 7.3 Magnetism. Magnetic field. 7.4 Nervous impulse.
Ch8.- Radioactivity. Biological effects of ionizing radiation.
8.1 Radioactivity. Radioactive decay. 8.2 Radioisotopes in Biology. Carbon dating. 8.3
Interaction of radiation with matter. 8.4 Dosimetry. Physical dose and biological dose.
26519 – INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY 1st year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
T1 Types of scientific research (basic, applied and technical). Bibliography.
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T2 Search and management of literature.
T3 Scientific collections as a source of information and biological databases
T4 Publication and evaluation of research results
T5 Features and application of the scientific method. Design of Experiments
T6 Planning scientific work
T7 Theory and practice of science communication I
T8 Basic rules for writing a scientific paper I
T9 Basic rules for writing a scientific paper II
T10 Basic rules for writing a scientific article III
T11 Introduction to scientific careers, scholarships, research centers.
T12. Development of research proposals.
T13. Theory and Practice of Scientific Communication II.
COMPUTER PRACTICAL SESSIONS
PO1. Handling of useful software for research in biology: Excel.
PO2. Computer Search engines of general and specialized bibliography.
PO3. Management references. Refworks.
PO4. Management of useful Internet databases for research in Biology.
PO5. Handling of useful software for research in biology: Power point.
PO6. Data Analysis.
PROBLEM-SOLVING SESSIONS
PB1. Critical analysis of scientific research articles ('research papers').
PB2. Design of Experiments in Biology I
PB3. Design of Experiments in Biology II students Exhibitions.
PB4. Writing articles (abstract).
PB5. Design of scientific posters.
PB6. Design of Powerpoint presentations (oral communication).
SEMINAR / WORK GROUP
Students will work in groups.
Seminar Activities:
S1 Introduction to CI2. Basic Bibliographic Search (UA resources)
S2 General search and literature
S3 Planning work group research. Gantt Chart.
S4 TeamWork Seminar I
S5 TeamWork Seminar II
S6 TeamWork Seminar III
S7 Analysis, discussion and presentation of results 1 Preparation of a research paper, poster
and PowerPoint presentation.
S8 Analysis, discussion and presentation of results 2 Statement of results within the group.
S9 SCIENTIFIC DAYS. Delivery of research seminars by the students.
Scientific conferences:
Non- simultaneous four-hour sessions, each of them of compulsory attendance for the
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corresponding students’ sub-groups. The research works of the the mentioned subgroups
will be presented. Formats: seminars, Powerpoint's presentations, posters, articles, etc.
TUTORIAL GROUP
Workteams. Planning activities. Development of the 'program' of a scientific conference,
monitoring and evaluation activities. Question solving.
TUT1: Creating groups (4-5 students). Presentation CI2.
TUT2: Gantt Chart (S3). List of bibliographic references with Vancouver standards (PO3).
TUT3 Organization of the Scientific Sessions. Delivery of abstract (PB4) and reviewing poster
(PB5).
SECOND YEAR-COURSES IN ENGLISH
26520 - HISTOLOGY 2nd year
THEORETICAL LESSONS (2015-16)
The contents of this course are divided into three major modules: module 1, dedicated
to the histology of the metazoan (animal histology), the module 2 dedicated to the study
of plant histology, and module 3, introduction to the organography. This third module
will be taught in practical sessions. The 30 units on the syllabus are grouped into 12
different thematic blocks.
MODULE 1 (M1) ANIMAL HISTOLOGY
BLOCK 1 (B1): INTRODUCTION.
UNIT 1 (T1): Introduction to embryology. Main stages in embryonic development. From
fertilization to trilaminar embryo.
Unit 2 (T2): General classification of the metazoans. General characteristics of
invertebrates and vertebrates.
Unit 3 (T3): The organization of cells in tissues. General classification of tissues. Critical
analysis of the concept of tissue. General catalogue of the mammalian cells.
BLOCK 2 (B2): EPITHELIAL TISSUES
Unit 4 (T4): Concept and general characteristics of the epithelia. Lining epithelium.
Histogenesis and histophysiology. Functional significance and interest of study. Unit 5
(T5): Epithelial cells (2). Exocrine and Endocrine glandular epithelia. Histogenesis and
histophysiology. Functional significance and interest of study.
BLOCK 3 (B3): TISSUES WITH TROPHIC AND MECHANICAL FUNCTION (TFTM)
Unit 6 (T6): Concept and classification of the TFTM. The cells of the connective tissues.
Similar cells and fibroblasts. Defensive cells (granulocytes, lymphocytes and histiocytes,
mast cells and macrophages). Histogenesis and histophysiology. Functional significance
and interest of study.
Unit 7 (T7): Varieties of ordinary connective tissues (mesenchymal, mucous, lax,
reticular, dense). Adipocytes. Brown fat and white fat. Histogenesis. Functional
significance and interest of study.
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Unit 8 (T8): The extracellular matrix (ECM). Concept and parts. Ground substance:
glycosaminoglycans and the ECM adhesion molecules. Fibers of the ECM: collagen and
reticulin and elastic fibers. Physical, chemical features, location, functional significance
and interest of the components of the ECM.
BLOCK 4 (B4): (2) TFTM SKELETAL TISSUES
Unit 9 (T9): Concept of cartilage and cartilage tissue. Chondrocytes, structural and
functional characteristics. Extracellular matrix. Types of cartilage tissue. Location,
histogenesis, functional significance and interest of study.
Unit 10 (T10): concept of bone and bone tissue. Osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts,
structural and functional characteristics. Bone matrix. Types of bone tissue and location.
Compact and spongy bone tissue. Haversian systems, circumferential systems,
Volkmann’s canals.
Unit 11 (T11): Bone Histogenesis. Intramembranous ossification. Endochondral
ossification. Growth and bone remodeling. Bone regeneration. Histophysiology of the
bone. Functional significance and interest of study.
Block 5 (B5): MUSCLE TISSUE
Unit12 (T12): Concept of muscle and muscle tissue. Classification of muscle tissues.
Smooth muscle tissue and varieties. Striated cardiac muscle tissue. Heart conduction
system. Organization and distribution. Histogenesis. Functional significance and interest
of study.
Unit 13 (T13): Skeletal striated muscle cells. Skeletal myocytes. Types. Structure and
function. Differences with the cardiac myocytes. Histogenesis. Functional significance
and interest study.
BLOCK 6 (B6): NERVOUS TISSUE
Unit 14 (T14): Concept of nervous tissue. The cells of the nervous tissue. General
characteristics. The neuron. Concept and types, morphofunctional characteristics.
Histogenesis. Functional significance and interest of study.
Unit 15 (T15): Concept of neuroglia. Classification of the glial cells. Astrocytes,
oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells. Microglia. Schwann cells and similar cells. The nerve
fiber. Morphofunctional characteristics. Histogenesis. Functional significance and
interest of study.
Unit 16 (T16): Relations among cellular elements of the nervous tissue. The synapse.
Chemical and electrical synapses. Types of chemical synapses. The motor endplate.
Neurohistogenesis. Functional significance and interest of study.
MODULE 2 (M2): PLANT HISTOLOGY
BLOCK 7 (B7): INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANT HISTOLOGY. MERISTEMATIC TISSUES
Unit 17: Plant histology. The plant cell, structural and functional characteristics. Plant
tissues. Simple and compounds. Development of the seed plant. Mature embryo.
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Development of the embryo. Differentiation, specialization and Morphogenesis.
Unit 18 (T18): Meristematic tissues. Classification and general characteristics. Primary
meristem and its derivatives. Primary apical meristem. Intercalary meristems. Secondary
meristems. Vascular and interfascicular Cambium. Cork Cambium.
BLOCK 8 (B8): PROTECTIVE, PARENCHYMA and SECRETORY TISSUES Unit 19 (T19):
Primary protective tissues. Epidermis, hypodermis and endodermis. Secondary
protective tissues. Suber. Phellogen. Periderm. Rhytidome and bark. Lenticels.
Unit 20 (T20): Parenchyma: Characteristics and origin. Types of parenchyma. Content,
shape, layout cell. Internal secretory tissues. Ground tissues. Collenchyma.
Sclerenchyma. Cell types, distribution and structure.
Unit 21 (T21). Secretory tissues: concept. Internal secretory tissues: gomiferos, Laticifers
and resin ducts.
BLOCK 9 (B9): VASCULAR TISSUES AND PHLOEM
Unit 22 (T22): Vascular tissues. Xylem or leno. Primary xylem. Protoxylem and
metaxilem. Differentiation of the tracheal elements. Secondary xylem. Cell types. Basic
structure. Wood.
Unit 23 (T23): Phloem. Primary phloem. Secondary phloem. Cell types. Basic structure.
Transport systems in plants. Apoplastic and symplastic transport. Movement of water
and ions in xylem and phloem. Introduction to plant organography. Root and stem. The
leaf and flower. Reproductive organs. Seeds.
MODULE 3 (M3): INTRODUCTION TO THE ANIMAL ORGANOGRAPHY
BLOCK 10 (B10): MICROSCOPIC ORGANOGRAPHY OF METABOLIC SYSTEMS
Unit 24 (T24): Circulatory system. Structure, functional significance and interest of study.
Respiratory system. Structure, functional significance and interest of study. Unit 25
(T25): Digestive system. Structure, functional significance and interest of study.
Excretory system. Structure, functional significance and interest of study.
Block 11 (B11): MICROSCOPIC ORGANOGRAPHY OF THE SYSTEMS FOR THE CONTROL
AND ADJUSTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Unit 26 (T26): Nervous system. Types, structure, functional significance and interest of
study. Sense organs. Types of sense organs. Structure, functional significance and
interest of study.
Unit 27 (T27): Endocrine system. Structure, functional significance and interest of study.
Unit 28 (T28): Concept and parts of the musculoskeletal system. Structure, functional
significance and interest of study.
BLOCK 12 (B12): MICROSCOPIC ORGANOGRAPHY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE AND
DEFENSIVE SYSTEM
Unit 29 (T29): Concept and types of reproductive tract. Male reproductive system.
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Structure, functional significance and interest of study. Female reproductive system.
Structure, functional significance and interest of study.
Unit 30 (T30): Teguments and its annexes. Types of teguments. Structure, functional
significance and interest of study. Hematopoietic and immune system. Structure,
functional significance and interest of study.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
LAB SESSIONS
These practices are an introduction to the histological technique. Students will learn
about methods and techniques for processing materials, from animal and vegetable
organisms, and to observe them through different microscopes. In addition to this,
students will learn to interpret the histological sections.
Practice 1 (P1): Histological technique (1): collection and processing of samples for
microscopy. Techniques in histology. Preparation of material to be cut. Microtomy.
Sample stain with conventional techniques: hematoxylin-eosin.
Practice 2 (P2): histological technique (2): methods to detect substances in cells and
tissues: Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and "in situ hybridization". Staining
with PAS technique and observation of samples processed by different
histochemical/immunohistochemical methods.
Practice 3 (P3): Histological technique (3): Observation and interpretation of histological
cuts. Lining epithelium and mucous membranes. Exchange of nutrients between the
organism and the environment: digestive and respiratory barriers. The skin and its
annexes. Glandular epithelium and secretion. Urinary epithelium
Practice 4 (P4): Histological technique (4): Preparation of samples for the study of plant
histology. Observation of samples in fresh and fixed material: pollen, trichomes,
epidermis and parenchyma, vascular, sclereids, etc. Introduction to the plant
organography.
CLINICAL SESSIONS
These practices are an introduction to the microscopic organography from a clinical
approach. The student will learn, in a reasoned way, the microscopic features of the
main organs.
Practice 5 (P5): Microscopic features of muscle and connective tissues. Major tissues and
organs involved in metabolism and body mass index. Metabolic disease as an example.
Practical exercises.
Practice 6 (P6): Biological basics and morphologic and microscopical features of the
control systems: (SN) nervous system and endocrine system. Cerebral and cerebellar
cortex. Spinal cord. Endocrine glands. Cerebral metabolism as an example.
Practice 7 (P7): Microscopic features of the circulatory system. The heart and blood
vessels. Observation of preparations of myocardium, veins, arteries, etc. Microscopic
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features of the respiratory system. Observation of preparations for the histological
study of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Practice 8 (P8): Microscopic features of the gastrointestinal tract. Basic differences of
the mucosa and other components of the wall of the digestive tract and its functional
significance. Microscopic structure of the liver and the pancreas. Functional meaning.
Microscopic features of the reproductive system. Structure, functional significance and
interest of study.
26521 - ECOLOGY 2nd year
THEORETICAL LESSONS
BLOCK 1. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING LIFE ON THE PLANET
UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENCE OF ECOLOGY. The ecosystem. The components of
the ecosystem and hierarchies. The scientific method in ecology.
UNIT 2. CLIMATE. The solar radiation. Endosomatic and exosomatic energy. The
atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Patterns of large-scale climate variations.
Microclimates.
UNIT 3. SOIL: The soil formation. Development of soil profiles. Types of soils. Properties of
soil and ecosystem functioning.
UNIT 4. TERRESTRIAL BIOMES. Patterns of large-scale climate variations. Climate diagrams.
Holdridge life zones. Tropical biomes.
UNIT 5. DRY AND TEMPERATE BIOMES: Desert, forest and Mediterranean scrub, grasslands
and temperate forests. COLD BIOMAS: Boreal forest, Tundra and mountains.
UNIT 6. THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT. Conditions in the aquatic environment. Oceans and
surface water: geography, structure, physical and chemical, and biology. Reefs and
seashores.
UNIT 7. FRESHWATERS AND COASTAL AREAS. Estuaries, salt marshes and mangroves:
geography, structure, physicochemical conditions, biology and human influence. Rivers,
streams, lakes, and wetlands.
BLOCK 2. ORGANISM-ENVIRONMENT RELATIONSHIP
UNIT 8. TEMPERATURE. The temperature and function of organisms. Temperature and
growth. Regulation and survival at extreme temperatures.
UNIT 9. WATER. Availability of water. Regulation of water in terrestrial environments.
Balance of water and salts in aquatic environments. The concept of stress.
UNIT 10. ENERGY AND NUTRIENTS. Energy sources: the use of light and CO2. The use of
organic and inorganic molecules. Energy flows. Limitations of use of energy.
BLOCK 3. FUNCTIONAL PROCESSES IN TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
UNIT 11. PRIMARY PRODUCTION IN AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL MEDIA. Chemosynthetic
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and photosynthetic organisms. Types (bacteria, algae and plants). Efficiency. Photosynthesis
limiting factors: light, water, nutrients.
UNIT 12. PATTERNS OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION. Patterns of terrestrial and aquatic primary
production. Balance of carbon and net production in the ecosystem. Global distribution of
biomass and PPN: differences between biomes.
UNIT 13. SECONDARY PRODUCTION. Type of nutrition and efficiencies in the use of the
food. Secondary production efficiencies. Transfer and dissipation of energy. Animal
metabolism.
UNIT 14. DECOMPOSITION IN THE ECOSYSTEMS. The organic matter of the soil. Matter
recycling. Temporal and spatial variation. Decomposition rate. Regulation factors.
Decomposition on an ecosystem scale.
UNIT 15 TROPHIC STRUCTURE. Trophic chains. Trophic networks. Trophic systems based on
plants and detritus. Energy flows through the trophic levels. Ecological efficiencies.
Ecological pyramids.
UNIT 16. AGRICULTURAL AND URBAN ECOSYSTEMS FUNCIONING. Agro-ecosystems: types.
Sustainable agriculture. Water, nutrients and energy balances. Urban ecosystems.
Structure. Materials and energy balance. Future models.
BLOCK 4. LARGE-SCALE ECOLOGY
UNIT 17. LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY. Concept of landscape. The structure of the landscape:
descriptors. Ecotones. Fragmentation. Processes in the landscape: geology, climate.
Organisms. Anthropogenic disturbances.
UNIT 18. BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES. The hydrological cycle. The cycle of carbon, oxygen,
phosphorus, nitrogen and sulphur and acid rain. The air pollution and the decline of forests.
The dynamics of the ozone. The Gaia hypothesis.
UNIT 19. GLOBAL CHANGE. Climate change: the atmospheric layer and the greenhouse
effect. The ENSO and climate change models. The ozone hole. The child: Effects on marine
and terrestrial populations. Changes in coverage: tropical deforestation.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
FIELD PRACTICALS
1.- THE FULL LIGHT / SHADE EFFECT IN MEDITERRANEAN MOUNTAINS. Structural
characterization of terrestrial ecosystems. Sampling field techniques for the functional
study of terrestrial ecosystems. Data and measures will be collected in the area of Maigmó
and Chirau plots.
2.- VERIFICATION OF THE GRADIENT OF SALINITY EFFECT IN COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS AND
ESTUARY OF RIVERS. Analysis and description of coastal ecosystems of the region.
Techniques of structural and functional measures in aquatic and coastal systems: coast of
Guardamar and mouth of the Segura (Guardamar). Data collection and field measurements.
LABORATORY SESSIONS:
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1. Analysis and processing of samples taken during the field practical 1.
2. Analysis and processing of samples taken during the field practical 2.
3. Experiments and measurements of secondary production (2 h).
COMPUTER SESSIONS:
1. Processing and analysis of data obtained during the field practical 1and laboratory 1
2 .Processing and analysis of data obtained during the field practical 2 and laboratory 2
PROBLEMS SESSIONS:
Resolution of problems of ecology theory and relevant issues in ecology.
26523 – BOTANY 2nd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
Unit 1. Introduction and general matters (4 hours)
L1. Botany: basic contents. Brief history. The domain of Botany and its relationships with
other sciences. The boundaries of plant world. The plant species concept and speciation
processes. Botanical nomenclature and taxonomic categories.
L2. Life modes in plant organisms. Autotrophy: photosynthetic pigments and reserve
substances; taxonomic significance. Diversity and evolution of plastids. Heterotrophy:
saprophytism, parasitism and symbiosis. Other mechanisms.
L3. Reproduction in plant organisms. Vegetative and spore-based propagation. Sexual
reproduction: gametangia and gametes. Special cases. Life cycles: types and meaning.
Nuclear phase and generations athermancy.
L4. Morphological levels of organization. Plant diversity: phylogenetic groups and lineages.
Unit 2. Level 'Protophytes' (2 hours)
L5. Structural types: coccal, monadal, coenobial, prototrichal and protocolonial. Prokaryotic
Protophytes: the beginning of aerobic life. Main characteristics and organization of the first
photoautotrophic organisms.
L6. Eukaryotic Protophytes: structural and morphological diversification. Special cell
coatings: mucilage, pellicles, frustules, and thecae. Value and evolutionary significance.
Unit 3. Level 'Thallophytes' (4 hours)
L7. The thallus: structure and diversification. Morphologial complexity and of life cycles.
L8. Heterotrophic Thallophytes. The plasmodium and the fungal mycelium: types and
modifications. The dikaryon phase: fibulation and uncinulation. Fungal fruitbodies. Case
study: parasitic fungi, mycorrhizae, and lichen symbiosis.
L9. Autotrophic Tallophytes. Evolutionary lineages and phylogenetic relationships: brown,
red and green algae. Modes of cell division, metabolic pathways and mobile cells in
Chlorophytes. Case study: Charophytes as precursors to land plants.
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Unit 4. Level 'Protocormophytes' (2 hours)
L10. Terrestrial environment: adaptations to hostile conditions. Origin of land plants:
antithetic and homologous theories. Antheridium and archegonium: characteristics and
evolution. The embryo: evolutionary significance.
L11. Bryophytes: the poikilohydric lifestyle and the cycle with dominant gametophyte. Basic
corporal model: rhizoid, caulidium and phyllidium. The parasitic sporophyte. Origin and
evolution of bryophythes: structural changes in lineages.
Unit 5. Level 'Cormophytes' (10 hours)
L12. Vascular plants: Tracheophytes or Cormophytes: the homeohydric lifestyle and the
cycle with dominant sporophyte. Morphology of cormus: roots, stems and leaves. Theories
on the origin and evolution of cormus. Root types and modifications. Stem types and
modifications. Leaf types and modifications.
L13. Non-seed Cormophytes. Isospory and heterospory: microsporangium and
macrosporangium. Types of gametophytes: endosporic and exosporic development.
Evolutionary lineages: licophytic and monilophytic ferns.
L14. Seed plants: gymnosperms and angiosperms. Pollen and pollination agents. The ovule
primordium and the megaspore. Development of gametophytes and fertilization. Double
and simple fertilization.
L15. From the gymnosperm strobile to the angiosperm flower. Floral whorls (verticils):
perianth, androecium and gynoecium. Floral diagrams and formulas. Origin and evolution of
flower. Inflorescences: types and inter-relationships.
L16. Seed development and ripening. Seminal ancillary structures. Fruit development and
morphology; the pericarp. Typology of fruits and most representative examples.
Infrutescences. Peudocarps or false fruits.
L17. Dissemination or dispersal of diaspores. Dispersal systems: anemochory, hydrochory,
zoochory and autochory. Effect of anthropochory: ruderal plants and weeds. Seed
germination: processes and types. Viviparism or viviparity
L18. Ecomorphology of cormus. Adaptations to water availability, soil salinity, light and
temperature. Life forms or biotypes. Totally or partially heterotrophic Cormophytes:
parasitic, insectivorous and humicolous plants.
Unit 6. Introduction to Geobotany (3 hours)
L19. Factors conditioning plant life. Bioclimatology: biomes and macrobioclimates of the
World. Phytogeography: basis concepts. Flora: autochthonous and allochthonous plants.
Floristic kingdoms of the World. Chorological sectorization of the Iberian Peninsula.
L20. Vegetation science: basic concepts. Phytosociology: the plant association. Dynamics of
vegetation: plant succession and vegetation series. Phytotopography or Landscape science.
Zonation and catenae.
FIELD WORK
Two field excursions are programmed, both to be realized preferably after accomplishing
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lectures of the Second unit: 1. Cabo de las Huertas (4 hours). 2. Campus of San Vicente and
Bosque ilustrado (5 hours).
LABORATORY SESSIONS
(6 sessions of 3 hours each).
PR 1. Vegetative and reproductive structures in the main groups of Algae. (3 hours)
Learning objectives: Identification and recognition of the major vegetative (morphology and
anatomy) and reproductive (sexual and asexual) structures of a number of different groups
of brown, red and green algae. Recognition of the principal tallophytic levels of cellular
organization will also be studied from representative genera of those groups.
Material required: binocular and light microscopes with adapted camera, computer and LCD
projector, specialized literature, preserved and fresh samples.
PR 2. Vegetative and reproductive structures in fungi. (3 hours)
Learning objectives: Identification and recognition of the major vegetative (morphology and
anatomy) and reproductive (sexual and asexual) structures of different groups of both
macroscopic and microscopic fungi. Special emphasis will be placed on the analysis of
morphological characters of macroscopic fruitful bodies (ascocarps and basidiocarps), on
the basis of representative genera of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes.
Material required: binocular and light microscopes with adapted camera, computer and LCD
projector, specialized literature, preserved and fresh samples.
PR 3. Vegetative and reproductive structures of the lichenized fungi. (3 hours)
Learning objectives: Identification and recognition of the major vegetative (morphology and
anatomy) and reproductive (sexual and asexual) structures of the lichenized fungi or
lichens, from representative genera of the various life forms in Ascolichenes.
Material required: binocular and light microscopes with adapted camera, computer and LCD
projector, specialized literature, preserved and fresh samples.
PR 4. Vegetative and reproductive structures in non-seed Embryophytes. (3 hours)
Learning objectives: Identification and recognition of the major vegetative structures of the
Protocormophytic organization level (Protocormophytes or bryophytes). Recognition of the
major reproductive structures of the most primitive land plants (archegonia and antheridia),
based on examples from various families of bryophytes and ferns.
Material required: binocular and light microscopes with adapted camera, computer and LCD
projector, specialized literature, preserved and fresh samples.
PR 5. Structure of cormus: roots, stems and leaves. (3 hours)
Learning objectives: Identification and recognition of the main types of root systems, stems
and leaves, on the basis of the larger groups of Cormophytes (ferns, gymnosperms,
angiosperms, monocots and eudicots). In addition, the principal modifications found in
these structures mainly as a response to environmental changes will also be studied, on the
basis of representative genera of different families.
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Material required: binocular and light microscopes with adapted camera, computer and LCD
projector, specialized literature, preserved and fresh samples.
PR 6. Reproductive structures of the seed plants: flowers, fruits and seeds. (3 hours)
Learning objectives: Identification and recognition of various types of inflorescences, floral
verticils (perianth, androecium and gynoecium), fruits and seeds, from a selection of
families of spermatophytes (gymnosperms and angiosperms).
Material required: binocular and light microscopes with adapted camera, computer and LCD
projector, specialized literature, preserved and fresh samples.
26524 - MICROBIOLOGY 2nd year
Theoretical and practical contents
THEORETICAL LESSONS
Unit 1. Microbiology. Concept of microbiology. History of microbiology. Abundance and
importance of microorganisms. Classification. The three domains. Taxonomy and
phylogeny. Molecular chronometers. Evolution and diversity of microorganisms. (3 hours)
Unit 2. Structure and function of prokaryotic cell. Morphology. Prokaryotic organelles and
cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic membrane of prokaryotes. Cell walls of prokaryotes. External
structures. Mobility in prokaryotes. The bacterial endospore. (5 hours)
Unit 3. Microbial metabolism. Sources of carbon and energy. Metabolic categories.
Respiration. Fermentation. Photosynthesis in prokaryotes. Chemolithotrophy. Autotrophy.
Fixation of nitrogen (3 hours)
Unit 4. Microbial growth. Cell division in prokaryotes. Continuous culture and discontinuous
culture. Factors that influence growth. Control of microbial growth. Culture media. Sterile
technique. Extremophiles. Strategies of survival in prokaryotes. (3 hours)
Unit 5. Genetics of prokaryotes. The prokaryote genome. Chromosomes and plasmids.
Genomics and metagenomics. Horizontal transfer mechanisms: transformation,
conjugation, and transduction. Transposable elements. Genetic manipulation of
microorganisms. (4 hours)
Unit 6. Domain Bacteria. Diversity and phylogeny of the domain Bacteria. Applied and
environmental importance. Phylum Cyanobacteria. Phylum Proteobacteria. Phylum
spirochaete. Phylum Bacteroidetes. Phylum Actinobacteria. Phylum Chlamydiae. Phylum
Firmicutes. Phylum Tenericutes. Other phyla. (12 hours)
Unit 7. Domain Archaea. Diversity and phylogeny of the domain Archaea. Applied and
environmental importance. Phylum Euryarchaeota. Phylum Nanohaloarchaeota. Phylum
Nanoarchaeota. Phylum Crenarchaeota. Phylum Thaumarchaeota. Other phyla. (3 hours)
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Unit 8. Micro-organisms in the domain Eukarya. Microscopic fungi and protozoa. Applied
importance. (2 hours)
Unit 9. Virus. General properties of the virus. Replication strategies and synthesis of
components. Viruses of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Reproductive cycles. Techniques for
the study of virus. Clinical and applied importance of viruses. Subviral agents. (3 hours)
PRACTICAL LESSONS
Practice 1. Preparation of culture media. Preparation, sterilization and dispensation of the
culture media used in practices.
Practice 2. Techniques of isolation, seeding, and incubation of microorganisms. Sowing by
exhaustion and triple flute. Effects of temperature and lack of oxygen in the incubation.
Practice 3. Ubiquity of microorganisms. Take samples of throat, skin, surface, air, soil and
ambient culture suspension.
Practice 4. Sterility and contamination. Evaluation of boiling and radiation UV as
disinfectants or sterilizing methods.
Practice 5. Bacterial growth. Curve of bacterial growth and cell counting.
Practice 6. Effect of antibiotics on growth and aeration. Comparison of the growth with
different conditions of aeration and addition of different antibiotics.
Practice 7. Bacterial identification. Characterization of an organism problem through the
analysis of their metabolism, Physiology and structure (observation through the fresh and
Gram stain microscopic).
Practice 8. Evaluation of antimicrobial agents. Analysis of bacterial resistance to different
compounds according to the formation of growth inhibition halos.
Practice 9. Infection by bacteriophages. Formation of bald spots of Lysis.
26526 – BIOCHEMISTRY II 2nd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS
BLOCK 1: INTRODUCTION AND CONCEPTS OF METABOLISM
Unit 1. Introduction to metabolism. Major metabolic pathways. Metabolic control.
Organization of metabolic reactions: characteristics of metabolism, metabolic sequences,
basic concepts. Metabolic flux. Reactions approaching equilibrium. Non-equilibrium
reactions . Cycles of substrate. Interconversion cycles. Metabolic control analysis:
coefficient of control flow, elasticity, theorem of connectivity, coefficients of response.
Sensitivity in metabolic regulation. Unit 2. Biosignaling. Hormones. Receptors. Protein G.
Secondary messengers: cyclic AMP, Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Calmodulin:
structure and function. Other messengers. Protein kinases. Determination of specificity.
Spatial and temporal distribution. Tyrosine kinases: Structure and function. Histidine and
aspartate kinases: structure and function. Molecular adhesives: SH2 and SH3 domains.
Domains of hormonal response. Functional diversity of the HREs. Hormones binding to
intracellular receptors. Hormones binding to cell surface receptors. Enhancers. Zinc finger
proteins.
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BLOCK 2: METABOLIC PATHWAYS AND THEIR REGULATION.
Unit 3. Metabolism of carbohydrates. Catabolism. Generalities. Reactions of Glycolysis.
Catabolism of other hexoses rather than glucose. Metabolic destinations of Pyruvate.
Electronic and energy balance. Degradation of glycogen: Glycogenolysis. Glycogen
phosphorylase. Debranching of glycogen. The pentose phosphate pathway. Unit 4. The
tricarboxylic acid cycle. Characteristics of the cycle. Metabolic origin of acetyl groups.
Regulation of Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Enzymatic reactions of the cycle. Energy
balance of the cycle. Anaplerotic pathways. Regulation of the cycle. Glyoxylate pathway.
Amphibolic nature of the Krebs cycle.
Unit 5. Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. General scheme of electron
transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Localization. Key components of the
mitochondrial electron transport chain. Stoichiometry of the mitochondrial electron
transport chain. Oxidative phosphorylation: synthesis of ATP. Overall stoichiometry of
oxidative phosphorylation. Effect of inhibitors: disconnection of chain electron transport
and oxidative phosphorylation. Regulation of the production of ATP. Unit 6.
Photophosphorylation. General diagram of photosynthesis. Light phase: location,
absorption of light, functional devices, electronic flow, photophosphorylation, cyclic
electronic flow. Photosynthetic bacteria. Unit 7. Biological fixation of carbon. Cycle of the
carbon in the biosphere. Routes of the Calvin cycle: production and recovery phases.
Destination of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. Control of the Calvin cycle.
Photorespiration. The 4 cycle in plants.
Unit 8. Biosynthesis of carbohydrates. Gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenic intermediates.
Biosynthesis of glycogen: glycogen synthase. Glycogen branching. UDP-glucose
pyrophosphorylase. Starch and sucrose biosynthesis, glycoproteins, and Peptidoglycan.
Unit 9. Regulation of oxidation and synthesis of carbohydrates. Control systems at glucolitic,
gluconeogenic, glucogenogenic and glucogenolitic routes. Effect of hormonal regulation on
limiting flow enzymes of the pathways. Regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Effect of
hormonal regulation on limiting flow enzymes or the cycle. The assimilation of carbon
regulation. Unit 10. Lipid metabolism: catabolism. Oxidative catabolism. Mobilization of
fatty acids: absorption, transport, storage and use of lipids. Fatty acid oxidation. Energy
balance. Oxidation in peroxisomes and glyoxysomes. Ketone bodies.
Unit 11. Lipid metabolism: biosynthesis. Biosynthesis of fatty acids: stages, reactions and
overall stoichiometry of the process. Elongation of fatty acids. Synthesis of unsaturated
fatty acids. Synthesis of Eicosanoids. Synthesis of triacylglycerols and glycerophospholipids.
Synthesis of sphingolipids. Synthesis of cholesterol.
Unit 12. Regulation of lipid metabolism. Regulation of oxidation and biosynthesis of fatty
acids. Regulation of the synthesis of triacylglycerols and phospholipids. Effect of hormonal
regulation on limiting enzymes of flow in lipogenesis and lipolysis. Regulation of arachidonic
acid metabolism. Regulation of cholesterol synthesis. Unit 13. Protein and amino acid
metabolism: catabolism. Digestion of proteins. Intracellular protein degradation.
Catabolism of amino acids: deamination. Urea cycle, energy balance regulation. Other
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forms of nitrogen excretion. Destination of the carbon skeleton. Regulation of amino acid
catabolism. Unit 14. Amino acid metabolism: biosynthesis of amino acids and nitrogen
fixation. The nitrogen cycle. Importance of nitrogen: conservation of atmospheric nitrogen
in other equivalent forms. Nitrogen fixation. The nitrogenase complex. Regulation of
nitrogen fixation. Biosynthesis of nonessential amino acids: origin of the carbon skeleton.
Biosynthesis of essential amino acids. Regulation of the biosynthesis of amino acids. Unit
15. Nucleotide metabolism. De novo synthesis of purine nucleotide. Regulation. Synthesis
of pyrimidine nucleotides. Regulation. Synthesis of ribonucleotides di - and tri-phosphate.
Synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides. Recovery of purine pathways. Nucleotide catabolism.
Purine degradation. Pyrimidine degradation. Unit 16. Metabolic integration.
Interdependence of the major organs. Metabolism of fuels in vertebrates. Pathways
involved in the feed-fast cycle and rest-exercise states. Hormonal regulation of metabolism
of fuels. Response to metabolic stress: starvation, diabetes and exercise (sprint and
marathon).
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
Practice 1: isolation of c-cytochrome from the heart and spectroscopic characteristics.
Practice 2: isolation and properties of yeast RNA
Practice 3: isolation of alpha amylase and determination of enzyme activity Practice 4:
isolation and hydrolysis of glycogen
26528 – PLANT BIODIVERSITY 2nd year
Theorical and Practical contents
THEORETICAL LESSONS
BLOCK I. TAXONOMY AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
Unit 1. Basic concepts: Taxonomy and Systematics. Classification systems: past and present.
BLOCK II. BIODIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENY OF AQUATIC PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISMS OF
THE KINGDOMS PROTOZOA AND CHROMISTA
Unit 2. Kingdom Protozoa. Major groups (Euglenozoa). Diagnostic characteristics and
ecology. Phylogenetic relationships.
Unit 3. Kingdom Chromista. Main groups: Dinophyta and Heterokontophyta; mention of
Prymnesiophyta and Cryptophyta. Diagnostic characteristics and ecology. Phylogenetic
relationships.
BLOCK III. BIODIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENY OF AQUATIC PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISMS:
ALGAE OF THE KINGDOM PLANTAE
Unit 4. Phylogenetic relationships in the Kingdom Plantae. Major groups. Div. Rhodophyta
(red algae). Diagnostic characteristics and ecology. Phylogeny and major groups.
Unit 5. Div. Chlorophyta and Charophyta (the green algae). Diagnostic characteristics and
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ecology. Phylogeny and major groups.
BLOCK IV. BIODIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENY OF LAND PLANTS: THE EMBRYOPHYTES
(KINGDOM PLANTAE)
Unit 6. Origin of terrestrial plants: main theories. Identification of the predecessor group of
land plants. Evidences. Theories of colonisation of the land.
Unit 7. Non-vascular Embriophytes. Bryophytes: mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
Diagnostic characteristics and ecology. Phylogeny and major groups.
Unit 8. Traqueophytes spread through spores. Phylogeny and major groups: Lycophyta and
Monilophyta (ferns). Lycophyta: diagnostic features and ecology.
Unit 9. Traqueophytes spread through spores. Monilophyta or ferns: major groups.
Diagnostic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships.
Unit 10. Spermatophytes. Gymnosperms. Diagnostic characteristics and ecology. Major
groups and phylogenetic relationships.
Unit 11. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. Basal Angiosperms and the Magnolidas group.
Phylogeny and leading families. Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 12. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. Monocots I. Phylogeny and main families.
Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 13. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. Monocots II. Phylogeny and main families.
Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 14. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. Basal group of the eudicotyledons. Phylogeny and
main family (Papaveraceae and Ranunculaceae). Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 15. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. The core of the eudicotyledons: the order
Saxifragales and the clade of Fabidae. I. Filogenia and main family (Crassulaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Salicaceae). Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Topic 16. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. The core of the eudicotyledons: the clade of
Fabidae II. Phylogeny and main family (Fagaceae, Rosaceae, Rhamnaceae, Ulmaceae,
Moraceae and Urticaceae). Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 17. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. The core of the eudicotyledons: the clade Malvidae.
Phylogeny and main family (Malvaceae, Cistaceae, Brassicaceae, Rutaceae, Anacardiaceae
and Geraniaceae). Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 18. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. The core of the eudicotyledons: the order
Caryophylalles (I). Phylogenetic relationships and main family (Caryophyllaceae, Cactaceae)
diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 19. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms the nucleus of the eudicotyledons: the order
Caryophylalles (II). Main family (Amaranthaceae, Plumbaginaceae and Tamaricaceae)
phylogenetic relationships. Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 20. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms. The core of the eudicotyledons: the clade Asteridae
(I): the Lamiidae subclade. Phylogeny and main family (Lamiaceae, Oleaceae, Solanaceae,
Convolvulaceae, Apocynaceae and Rubicaceae). Diagnostic characteristics and ecology.
Unit 21. Spermatophytes. Angiosperms the nucleus of the eudicotyledons: the clade
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Asteridae (II): the order Ericales, subclade Campanulidae. Phylogeny and main family
(Ericaceae, Apicaceae, Asteraceae and Caprifoliaceae). Diagnostic characteristics and
ecology.
BLOCK V. CONSERVATION OF FLORA
Unit 22. Conservation of flora I. regional and national legislation. Threatened flora red
books. Categories and IUCN criteria.
Unit 23. Conservation of flora II. In situ conservation and ex situ techniques. Conservation
genetics. Examples of conservation of flora in the Valencian Community.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
P. 1. Aquatic photosynthetic multicellular organisms: recognition the main species of the
coast of Alicante. (3 hours)
Recognition and determination of the main multicellular organisms on the Alicante coast.
Main genres of the taxonomic groups: Div. Rhodophyta, Div. Chlorophyta and fam.
Phaeophyceae
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, microscopes, camera adapted to Magnifier,
computer and projector, specialist literature, preserved and live material.
Objectives: Identify the morphological features to distinguish the main aquatic organisms
in Mediterranean coast. Basics of organism determination by using dichotomous key.
P.2. Plants spread through spores: recognition of the major groups. (2 hours)
Recognition and determination of the main organisms spread by spores: Bryophytes, ferns
and lycophites.
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, microscopes, camera adapted to Magnifier,
computer and projector, specialist literature, preserved and live material.
Training objectives: Identify the morphological features to distinguish the main genres that
are present in the Iberian peninsula. Basics of organism determination by using
dichotomous key.
P. 3. Gymnosperms. Recognition of the principal groups. (2 hours)
Identify the morphological characters necessary to distinguish between large groups of
spermatophytes. Special emphasis in the taxonomic groups of Gymnosperms, and especially
in the genera present in our flora: Pinus and Juniperus Ephedra genres used in gardening
will also be identified.
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, microscopes, camera adapted to Magnifier,
computer and projector, specialist literature, preserved and live material.
Training objectives: Identification of vegetative and reproductive structures of the major
groups. Management of the dichotomous keys
P.4. Angiosperms I. recognition of main groups. (2 hours)
Students will work with the major groups of Angiosperms, families that have a wide
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representation in our flora.
Brassicaceae and Papaveraceae families
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, Magnifier, computer and projector, specialist
literature, preserved material and live.
Training objectives: Identification of vegetative and reproductive structures of the major
groups. Management of dichotomous keys.
P.5. Angiosperms II. Recognition of the main groups. (2 hours)
Leguminosae, Cistaceae Families
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, Magnifier, computer and projector, specialist
literature, preserved material and live.
Training objectives: Identification of vegetative and reproductive structures of the major
groups. Management of the dichotomous keys
P.6. Angiosperms III. Recognition of the main groups. (2 hours)
Labiatae and Liliaceae families
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, Magnifier, computer and projector, specialist
literature, preserved and live material.
Training objectives: Identification of vegetative and reproductive structures of the major
groups. Management of the dichotomous keys
P. 7. Angiosperms IV. Recognition of the principal groups. (2 hours)
Asteraceae and Malvaceae families
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, Magnifier, computer and projector, specialist
literature, preserved and live material.
Training objectives: Identification of vegetative and reproductive structures of the major
groups. Management of the dichotomous keys
P. 8. Angiosperms V. recognition of main groups. (3 hours)
Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae families
Necessary equipment: binocular loupes, Magnifier, computer and projector, specialist
literature, preserved and live material.
Training objectives: Identification of vegetative and reproductive structures of the major
groups. Management of the dichotomous keys
FIELD PRACTICALS (2 sessions)
-Dunes and salt marshes of Urbanova (Alicante)
-Alicante mountains at the biological station of Torretes (Ibi)
26529 – PLANT PHYSIOLOGY: NUTRITION, TRANSPORT AND METABOLISM 2nd year
THEORETICAL LESSONS
MODULE I: INTRODUCTION
UNIT 1. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY. PLANT CELLS: Concept and contributions of plant physiology.
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The origin of vascular plants. Plant cells. The cell wall.
MODULE II: WATER AND PLANT NUTRITION
UNIT 2. PLAN WATER RELATIONS: Importance of water in plants. Water potential and its
components. Osmotic characteristics of plant cells. Water flow in plants.
UNIT 3. ABSORPTION AND TRANSPORT OF WATER: Water from the soil and its availability
to the plant. Absorption and transport of water from the roots. Xylem via. Cohesion Theory.
Water exchange between the xylem and other tissues.
UNIT 4. PERSPIRATION: Occlusive cells. Ion flows in Occlusive cells. Internal and external
factors that affect the stomatal opening. Nature of perspiration. Functions of perspiration.
Antiperspirants.
UNIT 5. MINERAL NUTRITION: History and general information. Accessories and essential
elements. Nutrient solutions. Metabolism and function of mineral elements. Relationship
between mineral nutrition and growth. Mineral deficiencies.
UNIT 6. ABSORPTION AND TRANSPORT OF NUTRIENTS FROM THE ROOT: The root as an
organ of absorption. Transport via Apoplast and symplast. Forces acting on the ions.
Transport mechanism. Foliar uptake.
MODULE III. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY METABOLISM
UNIT 7. CHLOROPLASTS AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENTS: The spectrum of solar radiation.
Structure of the chloroplasts. Structural organization of the thylakoid membranes. Structure
and distribution of photosynthetic pigments.
UNIT 8. LIGHT ENERGY CAPTURE: History and general information. Photoexcitation of
photosynthetic pigments. Photosynthetic electron transport system: z-scheme. The
photolysis of water. Photophosphorylation. Photo-oxidative stress.
UNIT 9. CARBON DIOXIDE FIXATION, BIOSYNTHESIS OF PHOTOASSIMILATES AND
PHOTORESPIRATION: Fixation and reduction of CO2: Calvin cycle. Synthesis of sucrose and
its regulation. Starch synthesis and its regulation. Photorespiration.
UNIT 10. MECHANISMS OF CO2 CONCENTRATION: C4 plants. Kranz anatomy. Cycle of Hatch
and Slack. Physiological significance of the C4 cycle. Plants and cycle CAM. Intermediate
plants. Other mechanisms of CO2 concentration.
UNIT 11. FACTORS THAT REGULATE PHOTOSYNTHESIS: Influence of radiation. Influence of
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carbon dioxide and oxygen. Influence of temperature and water. Internal factors.
UNIT 12. PHLOEM TRANSPORT: The phloem as a driver of solutes: sources and sinks. Nature
of the transported substances. Characteristics of the transport. Loading and unloading of
the phloem. Transport mechanisms. Environmental factors.
UNIT 13. NITROGEN AND SULFUR ASSIMILATION: The nitrogen cycle and the plants.
Biological nitrogen fixation. The legume-rhizobia symbiosis. Assimilative nitrate reduction.
The sulfur cycle. Assimilative sulfate reduction. Function and metabolism of glutathione.
UNIT 14. PLANT RESPIRATION: The respiration process. Glycolysis and fermentation. Plant
mitochondria. Krebs cycle. The electron transport chain. Oxidative phosphorylation. The
cyanide-resistant respiration. Cycle of the pentose phosphate. Factors that affect
respiration.
UNIT 15. SPECIALIZED METABOLISM: Primary and secondary metabolism. Terpenes.
Phenols. Lipids. Alkaloids. Applications of secondary metabolites.
MODULE IV. PHYSIOLOGY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS
UNIT 16. PHYSIOLOGY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS: Phases induced by stress. Stressing agents.
Plant responses to stress. Abiotic and biotic stress.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS
LAB SESSIONS
P. 1. Water potential determination of a plant tissue
P. 2. Osmotic potential determination of a plant tissue
P. 3. Water transport in plant: measurement of the intensity of transpiration and
determination of stomata’s opening and closing.
P. 4. Effects of water and mineral elements on growth and development of plants
P. 5. Determination of photosynthetic pigments
P. 6. Determination of starch: dependence of light
P. 7. Influence of environmental factors on the permeability of plant membranes and
secondary metabolism
PROBLEMS SESSIONS: Students will discuss the resolution of several representative
problems related to the contents of theory.
GROUP TUTORIALS
THIRD YEAR-COURSES IN ENGLISH
26531 – ECOLOGY OF POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES 3rd year
Course Competences
DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)
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Theoretical Skills
CE3: Understand and apply mathematical and statistical methods for validating models
from experimental data applied to Biology.
CE7: Understand evolutionary mechanisms and models.
CE9: Identify organisms and interpret the diversity of species in the environment, as well as
their origin, evolution and behaviour.
CE10: Understand the fundamentals of the regulation of vital functions of organisms
through internal and external factors and identify mechanisms for adapting to the
environment.
CE23: Analyse the components of the physical environment: hydric, atmospheric and
terrestrial and their relationship with the biotic environment.
CE24: Acquire the basic knowledge to analyse the structure and dynamics of populations.
CE25: Relate the different interactions between species in the working of ecosystems.
CE26: Acquire the basic knowledge to analyse the structure and dynamics of communities.
Practical Skills
CE31: Recognise and implement good scientific P.s for measurement and experimentation.
CE34: Plan, design and execute practical research studies, evaluating the results.
CE35: Interpret data gathered from observation and measurement in the laboratory and the
field.
CE47: Characterise, manage, conserve and restore populations, communities and
ecosystems.
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL CONTENT
Evolutionary Ecology. Population Dynamics. Spatial distribution. Habitat selection.
Interactions between species: competition. Exploitation. Positive interactions. Indirect
interactions. Organization of communities in space and in time. Diversity and complexity.
Diversity and function. Stability and resilience.
26532 – GENERAL INMUNOLOGY
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS:
The contents of this course are divided into five thematic blocks:
Block 1 (B1). Concepts. Molecules, cells and tissues of the immune system. Ontogeny.
Unit 1 (T1)- History of Immunology. Definition of immunology. Basic concepts and general
aspects. Innate immunity and acquired immunity. General properties of the immune
system. Phylogeny of the immune system.
Unit 2 (T2) .-Cells of the immune system: structural and functional characteristics.
Hematopoiesis. Lymphoid cells. Non lymphoid stem cells.
Unit 3 (T3) .-Leukocyte markers in differentiation. CD nomenclature. T Cells: molecular
markers of differentiation and activation. B Cell: molecular markers of differentiation and
activation. NK cells: molecular markers of differentiation and activation. Molecular markers
of differentiation in other immune system cells: macrophages, granulocytes, mastocytes,
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and platelets. Ontogeny of the immune system.
Unit 4 (T4). - Lymphoid tissue: primary lymphoid organs. Secondary lymphoid organs.
Lymphocyte recirculation.
Block 2 (B2). Antibodies (Ab). B cell receptor. Genetic rearrengement. Antigen (Ag). Antigen-
Antibody reaction.
Unit 5 (T5) -B: Immunoglobulins: B- cell Antigen receptors. Isotypes, allotype and idiotype.
General functions of immunoglobulins: primary and secondary immune response. Biological
properties of the different types of inmunoglobulins: structure and function of BCR.
Unit 6 (T6) -Genetics of immunoglobulins. Theories about the genesis of antibodies. The
immunoglobulin genes. Genetic rearrangement mechanism. Importance of conserved
sequences. Enzymes involved. Regulation of the reorganization process. Recombination
signal sequence. Immunoglobulin class switching or isotype switching. Diversity and affinity
maturation of immunoglobulins. Synthesis of immunoglobulins: allelic exclusion process.
Secreted Immunoglobulins vs. Membrane immunoglobulins.
Unit 7 (T7). - Antigens: definition and physical-chemical characteristics. ImmunoGen,
hapten, adjuvant, epitope/antigenic determinant. Immunogenicity. Mitogens.
Superantigens. Antigen-antibody interaction: spatial complementarity.
Block 3 (B3). Major histocompatibility (MHC) complex. Lymphocyte T receptor Phagocytic
cells and NK cells receptors. Antigen presentation.
Unit 8 (T8). - Major histocompatibility complex: HLA/MHC system. Importance. Molecular
structure and function. Structure, distribution and function of HLA class I and class II
molecules. Genetic organization and inheritance pattern. Antigen processing. Nature of the
processed peptide: intracellular vs. extracellular peptides.
Unit 9 (T9). - Antigen receptors of T-cells (TCR) Antigen receptor structure. Structure and
gene organization of the TCR. Rearrangement and gene regulation of the TCR. Intrathymic
selection: importance of r αβ and γδ receptors in recognition of self peptides. The clonal
selection theory. Functions of T-cells with αβ TCR type. LT CD4 + and CD8 + LT. Functions
assigned to stem of cells with γδ TCR type.
Unit 10 (T10) . Types of granulocytes receptors. Types of receptors in the cells of the
monocyte / macrophage system. Types of NK cell receptors. Functions assigned to each of
these leukocyte populations.
Unit 11 (T11) .-Antigen presentation. Immunological Synapse. Lymphocyte activation. Co-
receptor and other accessory molecules involved. Biochemistry of lymphocyte activation.
Second messengers. Phosphorylation of proteins. Transcription factors. Activation and
differentiation of lymphocyte T helper and T cytotoxic (LTc), B lymphocyte and NK. cell
Block 4 (B4). Adhesion molecules. The complement system. Cytokines.
Unit 12 (T12). - Adhesion molecules in the immune response. Classification: integrins,
selectins, immunoglobulin supergene family, cadherins, other molecules. General and
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specific functions of the different families. Control of the expression of adhesion molecules
in cells and tissues.
Unit 13 (T13). – The Complement System. Activation: classical pathway, Alternative
pathway and Lectin pathway. Biosynthesis of the complement proteins. The biological
functions of the complement. Effector molecules. Concept of complement-dependent
cytotoxicity. Regulation molecules. Cellular receptors for the complement. Genetics of the
complement system.
Unit 14 (T14) -Soluble mediators of immune response (cytokine): chemical structure and
cytokine-producing cell systems. Patterns of cytokines Th1/Tc1 Th2/Tc2, Th3, Th17. Action
mechanisms of cytokines. Classification of cytokines. The pleiotropism of cytokines. Cellular
receptors for cytokines. Brief mention of the use of cytokines and their antagonists in the
clinic.
Block 5 (B5). Cellular immune response. Humoral immune response. Immune response
regulatory molecules and cells. Regulatory mechanisms. Main immune-based diseases.
Unit 15 (T15). - Humoral immune response: cells and molecules involved.Cellular immune
response: cells and molecules involved. Concepts: Cellular cytotoxicity. Antibody dependent
Cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Unit 16 (T16). - Regulation of the immune response. Antigens as basic factors of control of
the immune response. The "feedback" effect, developed by antibodies and immune
complexes. Idiotype interactions. Cytokines and regulatory cells. Neuroendocrine
modulation of the immune response. Other regulatory mechanisms: genetic, nutritional,
pharmacological.
Unit 17 (T17). - Hypersensitivity reactions. Definition. Gell and Coombs Classification.
Concepts: tolerance, autoimmunity and autoimmune disease.
Unit 18 (T18). - Immune deficiencies. Concept. Classification. Diagnosis and treatment.
LABORATORY P.S, CLINICS AND SEMINARS:
1. Isolation of (PBMNc) peripheral blood mononuclear cells by density gradient technique.
2.-PBMNc Cell counting with Neubauer Chamber. Cell viability. Image through the optical
microscope and identification by phase contrast.
3. Isolation of CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocyte populations using the technique of
immunomagnetic spheres. Concept of positive and negative selection. Image through the
optical microscope of marked and non-marked populations.
4 Macrophages / dendritic cells production from PBMNc, using the plastic adherence
technique. Image through the inverted microscope.
5 Direct and indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) technique from PBMNc in suspension. T, B
and NK lymphocyte populations counting by fluorescence microscopy.
6. Functional test of Phagocytic cells. Phagocytosis of candida albicans.
7. Functional test of Phagocytic cells. NBT Reduction test.
8. Histology of the primary and secondary Lymphoid organs: thymus, spleen and lymph
nodes. H & E staining.
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26533 - ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY 3rd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
T0. Introduction (1 h) B1. FOOD MICROBIOLOGY (14 h) T1. Important Micro-organisms in
food T2. Microbiology of food preservation. T3 Microbiology of food processing. B2
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY (10 h) T4. Molecular Virology T5. Microbial Genomics and
Metagenomics T6. Microbial evolution. B3 ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (15 h) T7.
Microbial Ecology T8. Microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles. T9 Soil microbiology. T10
Microbiology of aquatic environments T11. Environmental applications of microorganisms
P1 practical content. Realization of microbiological analysis of food (9 hours) P2. Analysis of
the microbiota of natural samples using molecular and culture techniques (8 hours)
26535 - ADVANCED GENETICS 3rd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL CONTENT
1. Genomic organization and content (2 h.)
2. Genome Maps (1 h.)
3. Study of the DNA function (3 h.)
4. Gene expression: interactions and relevant elements in transcription and
translation. (6 h.)
5. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. (8 hrs.)
6. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. (5 hours)
7. Genetic control of development. (2 hrs)
8. Genetic aspects of cancer. (1 hr)
PRACTICAL CONTENT
* P. 1. Laboratory 9 h.
* P. 2. Laboratory 7 h.
* P. 3. Computer simulation. 3 h.
* Problem-Solving discussion (practical session). Discussion about the solving
process of some representative problems related to the topics of theory lessons. 10 h.
* Tutorial Group: To solve all kind of questions and to help to understand relevant
concepts or difficult issues. 3 h.
26536 – MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES 3rd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS
B. 1: Methods for the isolation of biomolecules (1 h)
T 1. Isolation of nucleic acids and proteins (1 h)
B. 2: Methods for the study of proteins (5 h)
T 2. Protein electrophoresis (1 h)
T 3. Chromatographic techniques applied to the study of proteins (2 h)
T 4. Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric studies of proteins (2 h)
B. 3: Methods for the study of nucleic acids (3.5 h)
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T 5. Nucleic acid electrophoresis. Southern blotting (1 h)
T 6. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Applications (1 h)
B. 4: Genetic engineering and genomics (5.5 h)
T 7. Recombinant DNA strategies (3.5 h)
T 8. Sequencing of genes and genomes (1.5 h)
T 9. Genetic modification of organisms (2 h)
B. 5: Analysis of gene expression (2 h)
T 10. Detection and quantitation of gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels (2 h)
LABORATORY SESSIONS
PL1: Purification of egg lysozyme by ion exchange chromatography (6 h)
PL2: Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Monitoring of the purification process (6 h)
PL3: Western blotting (3 h)
PL4: PCR analysis of recombinant plasmids. Agarose gel electrophoresis (2 h)
PL5: PCR-directed mutagenesis. Purification and digestion of a PCR product (6 h)
PL6: Purification, quantitation and cloning of a DNA fragment (6 h)
PL7: Transformation and screening of recombinant colonies. Plasmid DNA isolation (6 h)
PL8: Restriction analysis of plasmid DNA (2 h)
PO: Analysis of protein sequences (3 h)
26537 – STRUCTURAL AND FUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES 3rd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS
BLOCK I: STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE STUDY OF PROKARYOTES
(13 H T+12H PL + 2 H TG + 3 H S = 30 H)
LABORATORY (12 h)
P1. Preparation, processing and fixation of viruses and bacteria’s samples (3 h)
P2. Fluorescent in situ hybridization of prokaryotes and staining and counting of virus in
pure cultures and complex natural samples (3 h)
P3. The viability study of prokaryotes (LIVE/DEAD) in the analysed samples (3 h)
P4. Oral presentation and discussion of the results obtained in each group (3 h)
SEMINARS (3 h)
Exhibition and discussion of scientific articles.
GROUP TUTORIALS (2 H)
In groups, students should develop and resolve test questions related to the content given.
THEORY (13 h)
T1. Microscopy (6 h)
1.1 Instrumental techniques for the processing of biological material
1.2. Optical microscopy, fluorescence and confocal
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1.2.1 Basic structural staining of nucleic acids, proteins, sugars and lipids
1.2.2 Fluorescent marking and radioisotopes (FISH, RING-FISH, sea-FISH and RAMAN-FISH)
1.2.3 Immunocytochemistry and Immunohistochemistry techniques
1.3 Electron microscopy, atomic force and scanning tunneling.
T2. Techniques for the functional study of prokaryotes (7 h)
2.1 Use of molecular probes for measuring microbial activity
2.2 Techniques based on the use of microsensors and MICROELECTRODES
2.3 Use of stable isotopes and BrdU
BLOCK II: TECHNIQUES FOR FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURE-FUNCTION STUDIES AT CELL,
TISSUE/ORGAN AND ORGANISM LEVELS (13 H T + 12 H PL + 4 H S + 1 H TG = 30 H)
THEORY
T3. Structural and functional techniques at molecular/cellular level (5 h).
3.1. Three-dimensional structure of proteins (2 h):
3.1.1. X-ray diffraction.
3.1.2. Electron diffraction.
3.1.3 Relevance of structure-function studies
3.2. Electrophysiological techniques (2 h).
3.3. Microfluorimetry (1 h).
T4 Functional techniques at the level of organs/tissues (5 h)
4.1 Pulmonary function measurement techniques. (1.5 h)
4.1.1 Measurement of pulmonary perfusion and ventilation
4.1.2 Determination of dead space
4.2 Cardiovascular function measurement techniques (2.5 h)
4.2.1. Determination methods of the cardiac function
4.2.2 Measurement of regional blood flow
4.2.3 Measurement of capillary hydrostatic pressure
4.3 Techniques of measurement of renal function (1 h)
4.3.1. Determination of renal clearance
4.3.2. Determination of pH renal compensation
T5 Functional techniques at the level of organism/animal (3 h)
5.1. Functional Nuclear magnetic resonance (2 h).
5.2. Functional measures of metabolism and energy consumption (detection of levels of O2
and CO2 in air) (1 h).
LABORATORY
P5. Laboratory. Processing of electrophysiological signals (3 h)
P6. Laboratory. Registration and functional analysis of an ECG (3 h)
P7. Laboratory. Measurement of the cardiac output in animals (3 h).
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P8. Laboratory. Measurement of the transporting function of the intestinal epithelium (3
h).
SEMINARS
Seminar 4. Applications of electrophysiological techniques: "patch-clamp", intra and
extracellular (1 h) records.
Seminar 5.Fluorescent indicators and probes(1 h).
Seminar 6. Techniques for the cell volume measurement. Capacitance measurements to
evaluate secretion processes (1 h).
Seminar 7. Techniques for evaluation of hormonal function: ELISA. RIA. (1 h)
GROUP TUTORIALS (1 h)
In groups, students should develop and resolve test questions related to the content
taught.
26538 – MODELLING ECOLOGICAL
SYSTEMS
3rd year
Theoretical and practical contents (2015-16)
THEORETICAL LESSONS
Unit 1: Theoretical basis for modeling
T1.1. Systems theory in ecology.
T1.2. Dynamic analysis of ecosystems: Causal diagrams.
T1.3. Functional analysis of the system: Flow Chart.
T1.4. Building dynamic models.
Unit 2: Introduction to biogeochemistry.
T2.1. Biogeochemical cycles.
T2.2. Hydrological cycle. Hydrological models: Afforestation and erosion.
T2.3. Carbon cycle. Models of organic matter: Carbon sequestration.
T2.4. The cycle of Nitrogen and other elements.
COMPUTER SESSIONS (21 hours)
O1. Introduction to modeling. O2. Software for modeling. O3. General models focused on
carbon and nitrogen. O4.Hydrological models.
LABORATORY SESSIONS (20 hours)
L1. Organization, preparation of soil samples and reagents.
L2. Analysis of functional organic carbon fractions.
L3. Analysis of N fractions.
L4. Data treatment and discussion.
FOURTH YEAR-COURSES IN ENGLISH
26545 – CELL CULTURES AND TISSUE ENGINEERING 4th year
Theoretical and practical contents (2014-15)
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PART I: CULTURE OF ANIMAL CELLS
BLOCK 1-INTRODUCTION TO CELL CULTURE AND ANIMAL TISSUES.
UNIT 1. History and evolution of cell culture. Advantages and limitations of in vitro culture.
Types of cultivation of tissues and cells.
UNIT 2. Biology of culture cells. The environment. Cell adhesion. Cell proliferation and
differentiation. Cell signaling. Energy and metabolism of culture cells. Senescence and cell
death. Apoptosis.
UNIT 3. Establishment of cell lines in culture. Initiation, evolution and senescence of cells in
culture. Transformation and establishment of stable cell lines. Main cell lines and their
applications.
BLOCK 2-PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CELL AND TISSUE CULTURE
UNIT 4. Laboratory of cell cultures. Design, distribution and equipment. Laminar flow
cabinet types. Incubator CO2 and incubators of hypoxia. Inverted microscope fluorescence.
UNIT 5. Aseptic technique. Principles and recommendations for the proper handling of cells
in culture. Preparation and sterilization techniques. Sources of contamination and
eradication techniques.
UNIT 6. Biosafety, bioethics and quality control in laboratory cell cultures. Viability, cell
count and other parameters of quantification. Cytotoxicity.
UNIT 7. Culture vessels and substrates. Treated surfaces and feeder layer. Choice of the
culture vessel. Specialized culture systems.
UNIT 8. Culture media. Defined medium and supplements. Physical and chemical properties
of the medium. Balanced saline solution. Complete medium, additives and serum. Choice of
the culture medium and special media (serum-free, protein-free, etc.).
BLOCK 3-TECHNICAL PROCEDURES APPLIED TO THE CELL AND TISSUE CULTURE.
UNIT 9. Primary cultures. Establishment and initiation of a primary culture. Selection and
isolation of tissue. Primary cultures: explants, splitting cells culture, organ culture,
organotypic culture.
UNIT 10. Techniques of subculture and establishment of cell lines. Propagation, growth, cell
cycle and subculture. Routine maintaining of cell cultures. Subculture of cells in monolayer
and suspension.
UNIT 11. Characterization, cloning and selection of cell types. Cell separation techniques.
Insulation, replica and expansion of monoclonal cell types. Morphological, genetic and
phenotypic characterization of culture cells. Transformation and Immortalization of culture
cells.
UNIT 12. Cryopreservation, storage and transportation of animal tissues and cells in culture.
Physical and chemical principles of cryopreservation. Vitrification. Techniques and
protocols of freezing and thawing. Banks of cells and animal tissues.
BLOCK 4- ADVANCED CUTURE TECHNICS, STEM CELLS AND CELLULAR ENGINEERING.
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UNIT 13. Processing and handling of cells in culture. Introduction of genetic material (DNA
and RNA). Introduction of fluorescent protein (GFP), changes in gene expression (siRNA,
miRNA). Viruses, liposomes and other vectors of transformation. Cell fusion.
UNIT 14. Culture of stem cell. Types of stem cells: ESC, PGC, SSC, HSC, iPSC. Media,
substrates and other special requirements. Embryonic bodies and in vitro differentiation
process. Cancer cell culture .
UNIT 15. Three-dimensional culture and tissue engineering. The organ culture, histotypic
and organotypic culture. Cell interaction and organization of different types of cells in a
same culture. Use of scaffolds, media and special requirements. Present and future
applications of tissue engineering.
PART II: CULTURE OF PLANT CELLS
BLOCK 5. CULTURE OF PLANT CELLS IN SUSPENSION.
UNIT 16. Introduction to the anatomy and plant development. The plant cell. Main plant
tissues. Structural differentiation and development of plant organs.
UNIT 17. Methodology of growing cells and plant protoplasts. Introduction. Applications.
Choice of the explants. Preparation and sterilisation of explants. Induction of calluses,
subculture, and maintenance. Initiation of suspension cultures. Measures of growth in
suspension culture. Methods for isolation and culture of protoplasts. Regeneration of
plants from protoplasts. Somatic hybridization in plants: Fusion of protoplasts. Selection of
somatic hybrids. Applications.
UNIT 18. Plant cells as biofactories for production of secondary metabolites. Introduction to
the secondary metabolism in plants. Selection of cell lines with high production of
metabolites. Biotechnological applications. Introduction to metabolomics.
UNIT 19. Plant stem cells. Characterization and localization. Functional regulation.
Biotechnological applications
BLOCK 6-PLANT TISSUE CULTURE.
UNIT 20. Somatic embryogenesis. Molecular basis. Structural and physiological
characterization. Biotechnological applications.
UNIT 21. Organogenesis. Regulation of polarity in plant tissue cultures. Structural and
physiological characterization. Biotechnological applications
UNIT 22. Micropropagation. A Micropropagation protocol design. Stages of the process.
Physiology of crop micropropagated vitro / ex vitro. Quality control. Micropropagation in
bioreactors. Biotechnological applications.
BLOCK 7-REGENERATION OF PLANTS FROM TISSUE CULTURE.
UNIT 23. Technical conservation ex situ by using plant tissue and cell culture. Techniques of
conservation through retarded growth. Conservation by refrigeration. Cryopreservation.
Biotechnological applications.
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BLOCK 8-TRANSFORMATION OF PLANT CELLS AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE PRODUCTION
OF TRANSGENIC PLANTS.
UNIT 24. Transformation of plants. Molecular and cellular basis for the transformation of
plant cells. Methods of transformation.
UNIT 25. Biotechnological applications.
LABORATORY PRACTICALS
PART I: CULTURE OF ANIMAL CELLS
P1.-Foundations of cell culture. Aseptic technique. Preparation of media and sterile
material. General terms and conditions of culture.
P2-Cell subculture. Growth curve. Evaluation of cell viability. Introduction of DNA by
transfection techniques.
P3.-Characterization of cell lines. Immunomarking techniques for the observation of
subcellular structures. Preparation of a karyotype.
P4-Cell cryopreservation. Storage of cells and tissue types. Freezing and thawing of cells.
PART II: CULTURE OF PLANT CELLS
P5.-Structure and components of the plant cell cultures laboratory. Preparation of plant
tissue culture media. Medium for micropropagation of Stevia rebaudiana and Allium
sativum.
P6.- Micropropagation by using axillary bud of Stevia rebaudiana. Culture of Allium sativum
meristematic to start in vitro stem culture.
P7.-Encapsulation of Stevia rebaudiana axillary shoots for refrigeration.
P8.-Evaluation of salinity tolerance in tobacco BY2 cell line by applying Evans blue and the
Triphenyl tetrazolium viability techniques.