Cell structure and components. Biomolecules. Basic principles of cellular functions: transport, metabolism, signaling and reproduction. The structure of tissues and organs and their function. Basic principles for how an organism, e.g. a human, functions at the system level. Ethical aspects in biomedical research.

The course provides an introduction to biomedicine adapted for students with a background in engineering.

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• describe the basic structure and function of molecules, cells, tissues and organs in living organisms
• describe mechanisms and structures for the transport of various substances within and between cells
• describe basic processes for the cell's energy supply and cell renewal
• describe from cellular to organ level the mechanisms that make an organism function as a whole (metabolism, neuronal signaling, immune system, hormonal action)
• identify and critically discuss ethical issues that occur in biomedical research

In autumn 2021 the course will be run using so called flipped classroom strategy. Lectures will be pre-recorded and made available to the students one by one as the course progresses.

On the time slots in the schedule, we will have online meetings in Zoom.

Before each Zoom meeting the students are supposed to have watched the corresponding lecture recording and to have read the respective textbook chapter(s). At the meeting we will discuss this material and the students will write a mini-test (a short quiz).

All practical information concerning the course will be published in Canvas. The Canvas pages become visible when the student is admitted to the course. Full functionality becomes available when the student is registered for the course.

No prerequisites, except high-school biology, is required.

Alberts B.et al., Essential Cell Biology, 5th edition, 2019.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• INL1 - Hand in assignment, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Written exam, 6.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.