ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 36 Interactive Classroom: 20 Total: 57
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Morphological Science
Areas: Human Anatomy and Embryology
Center Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
To understand cells as the basic units upon which the structure and function of the human body are based, ensuring a correct subsequent comprehension of the modifications that occur in pathological states.
Relevance of the Subject in the Medicine Degree
It is essential for every future physician to acquire a deep knowledge of cellular biology and human genetics (structure, function, and behavior of cells), as current medicine addresses various pathologies as cellular and molecular dysfunctions.
Block I: CYTOLOGY (24 hours)
I. THE CELL: BASIC UNIT OF LIFE (1 hour)
Topic 1: The cell: Basic unit of life. Special cytology.
II. CELL SURFACE AND BIOMEMBRANES: PLASMA MEMBRANE (6 hours)
Topic 2: Extracellular environment.
Topic 3: Plasma membrane: Concept and generalities.
Topic 4: Permeability mechanisms and transport of micromolecules across the membrane.
Topic 5: Transport of macromolecules across the membrane: Endocytosis and exocytosis.
Topic 6: Specializations of the cell surface.
III. CYTOPLASM AND CYTOSKELETON: CELL SHAPE AND MOVEMENT (4 hours)
Topic 7: Cytoplasm. Concept and chemical composition. Cytoskeleton: concept and generalities.
Topic 8: Microfilaments.
Topic 9: Intermediate filaments.
Topic 10: Microtubules.
IV. CELLULAR COMPARTMENTALIZATION (6 hours)
Topic 11: Endoplasmic reticulum.
Topic 12: Golgi apparatus.
Topic 13: Lysosomes and endosomes.
Topic 14: Peroxisomes and mitochondria.
V. ORGANELLES THAT PROCESS INFORMATION: NUCLEUS AND RIBOSOMES (3 hours)
Topic 15: Cell nucleus: General characteristics.
Topic 16: Nucleus in interphase.
Topic 17: Nucleolus: structure and function. Ribosomes. Proteasome.
VI. CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION (3 hours)
Topic 18: The cell cycle.
Topic 19: Mitosis.
Topic 20: Meiosis.
Block II: GENETICS (12 hours)
VII. ORGANIZATION, TRANSMISSION, AND EXPRESSION OF HEREDITARY MATERIAL: HEREDITY PATTERNS (6 hours)
Topic 21: Genome organization.
Topic 22: Mendelian inheritance patterns.
Topic 23: Atypical inheritance patterns.
Topic 24: Polygenic and multifactorial inheritance.
VIII. CHANGES IN GENETIC MATERIAL (6 hours)
Topic 25: Genetic variation. Mutation.
Topic 26: Chromosomal alterations.
Topic 27: Mendelian populations.
Topic 28: Polymorphisms.
Topic 29: Genetic counseling.
Topic 30: Genetic basis of cancer.
Interactive Classes
Laboratory Practices (12 hours):
P1: Optical microscope: Nomenclature and handling instructions.
P2–3: Basic techniques: Sample preparation and staining I: Free cells.
P4–5: Basic techniques: Sample preparation and staining II: Associated cells.
P6: The cell: General characteristics and cell surface.
P7: Microscopic study of cytoskeleton preparations.
P8: Microscopic study of organelles I.
P9: Microscopic study of organelles II.
P10: Microscopic study of mitosis and meiosis.
P11: Nucleus, metaphase chromosomes, and chromatin.
P12: ABO system. Blood group determination.
P13–P14: Group academic projects.
P15–P16: Fundamentals and application of PCR.
Seminars (4 hours):
S1: Origin of the cell.
S2: Cell death: Necrosis and apoptosis.
S3: Genetics problems and games.
S4: Genetics problems and games.
Basic Bibliography
Calvo González A. Biomedical Cell Biology. 2nd ed. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2022.
Jorde LB, Carey JC, Bamshad MJ. Medical Genetics. 6th ed. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2020.
Karp G. Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments. 8th ed. Mexico: McGraw-Hill; 2019.
Cohn R. Thompson and Thompson. Genetics and Genomics in Medicine. 9th ed. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2024.
Paniagua Gómez-Álvarez R, Nistal Martín de Serrano M, Sesma P, Álvarez-Uría M, Fraile B, Anadón R, et al. Cell and Molecular Biology. 5th ed. Madrid: McGraw Hill Education; 2024.
Turnpenny P, Ellard S, Cleaver R. Emery: Elements of Medical Genetics and Genomics. 16th ed. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2022.
Complementary Bibliography
Alberts B, Bray D, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Watson J. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th ed. Barcelona: Editorial Omega; 2016.
Kierszenbaum AL, Tres LL. Histology and Cell Biology: Introduction to Pathological Anatomy. 5th ed. Barcelona: Elsevier; 2020.
Lodish H, Berk A, Kaiser CA, Krieger M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H, et al. Cell and Molecular Biology. 9th ed. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2023.
Pierce BA. Genetics: A Conceptual Approach. 5th ed. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2016.
Additional Resources
Villar Cheda B, López López A. Hyaloplasm and Cytoskeleton: Cell Shape and Movement. Santiago de Compostela: Unidades Didácticas USC; 2020. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.15304/9788417595555
Villar Cheda B. Human Genetics: Basic Concepts Applied to Health Sciences. Santiago de Compostela: Colección Esenciais USC; 2021.
Parga Martín JA. Organization, Transmission, and Expression of Hereditary Material: Inheritance Patterns. Santiago de Compostela: Unidades Didácticas USC; 2023. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.15304/9788419679000
General Competencies
CG5. Recognize one's own limitations and the need to maintain and update professional competence, giving special importance to autonomous learning of new knowledge and techniques, and motivation for quality.
CG6. Develop professional practice with respect to other healthcare professionals, acquiring teamwork skills.
CG7. Understand and recognize the normal structure and function of the human body, at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and systems levels, in different stages of life and both sexes.
CG9. Understand and recognize the effects, mechanisms, and manifestations of disease on the structure and function of the human body.
CG23. Communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing.
CG31. Know, critically evaluate, and use clinical and biomedical information sources to obtain, organize, interpret, and communicate scientific and healthcare information.
CG36. Be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically assess information for problem-solving, following the scientific method.
CG37. Acquire basic training for research activities.
Specific Competencies
CEMI.01. Know the structure and function of cells: Cell membranes and morphological differentiation of cell communication. The cytoskeleton as responsible for cell shape and movement. The endomembrane system and energy organelles.
CEMI.06. Cellular communication
CEMI.08. Cell cycle.
CEMI.09. Cellular differentiation and proliferation.
CEMI.10. Information, gene expression, and regulation.
CEMI.11. Heredity: Information, gene expression, and regulation and their transmission through different inheritance models.
CEMI.18. Handle basic laboratory materials and techniques.
CEMI.20. Recognize, with macroscopic, microscopic methods, and imaging techniques, the morphology and structure of tissues, organs, and systems.
In the lecture classes, the fundamental content of the program will be explained using visual aids (optical and electron microscopy images, diagrams, and/or animations or videos). The lectures will be held in person in the Faculty of Medicine classrooms.
In the laboratory practices, students will be introduced to basic techniques for studying cells. In seminars and practicals, the subject content will be worked on using mainly cooperative working techniques.
The interactive classes will mostly be held in person in the Faculty of Medicine classrooms and laboratories.
The subject will have a virtual classroom where students will have access to teaching material and digitized images. Additionally, a public tutoring forum will be established in the virtual classroom. Other platforms (MS Teams, Forms, etc.) will be used if circumstances advise them.
Final exams will be in-person.
The assessment of the subject will evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired by students throughout the course.
The assessment system will apply to both opportunities. Attendance to the subject is mandatory for interactive sessions, with 90% attendance required to pass the subject. Attendance to the lecture classes will be considered as another factor in the continuous assessment.
During the classes, students must follow the instructions of the designated responsible persons, especially those related to safety. Unjustified absences and behavior that affects fellow students, teachers, or classroom equipment may be reflected in the final grade.
The evaluation of the lectures will account for up to 80% of the final grade, and the interactive portion will account for at least 20% of the remaining grade.
The evaluation will be continuous (20% of the grade), evaluating the student's daily work throughout the course, along with a final exam that complements the continuous assessment (80% of the grade).
Continuous evaluation will be based on various activities, which will be scheduled and announced in the virtual campus. These activities will be both in-person and online, with participation and completion monitored during the classes or outside of class hours, in the weeks when material is taught.
The final assessment will consist of an exam adapted to the specific circumstances of the subject, potentially including different question types (such as multiple-choice, brief questions, open-ended questions, clinical cases, problems, etc.) and formats (written, oral, multimedia, etc.).
Different tests and/or activities may be substituted with online tests, either synchronous or asynchronous, using institutional platforms (Virtual Classroom-Moodle, Microsoft Teams, etc.).
Requirements to pass the subject: 1) Obtain 50% of the score in the final exam. 2) Complete 90% of the interactive activities.
Partial evaluation results from this course will not be carried over to subsequent courses.
"Intentional manipulation or falsification of attendance control systems will result in being considered absent from the activity, and the Rectorate will be notified for disciplinary actions."
"In cases of fraudulent exercise or exam conduct, the provisions of the academic performance assessment regulations for students and grade review policies will apply."
In-Class Work: Hours
Lectures: 36
Interactive Classes: 20
Small Group or Individualized Tutorials: 2
Exam Completion: 2
Total in-class hours: 60
Student's Personal Work: Hours
Individual Study: 75
Practical Report Writing: 5
Assignments Preparation: 10
Total personal work hours: 90
It is recommended to take notes during classes and expand them with the teaching material available in the virtual campus and/or with the recommended bibliography, available through the library in both paper format and digital access. It is advisable to study the content daily and utilize individual tutorials and the public tutoring forum to resolve doubts.
It is recommended to perform a self-assessment process, guided by the results of the continuous assessment, in order to learn to critically evaluate one's own knowledge and competencies.
Ana Maria Muñoz Patiño
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- Phone
- 881812221
- anamaria.munoz [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Maria Begoña Villar Cheda
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- Phone
- 881812299
- bego.villar [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Juan Andres Parga Martin
Coordinador/a- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- juan.parga [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Rita Valenzuela Limiñana
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- rita.valenzuela [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 12:30-13:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 17:30-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 19:30-20:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| Tuesday | |||
| 10:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 11:30-12:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 17:30-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 18:30-19:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| Wednesday | |||
| 10:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 12:30-13:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 17:30-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 19:30-20:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| Thursday | |||
| 10:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 11:30-12:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 17:30-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 18:30-19:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| Friday | |||
| 10:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 12:30-13:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 17:30-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 19:30-20:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 2 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 3 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 6 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 7 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 8 |
| 12.19.2025 12:00-14:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicina-Aula 10 |
| 06.10.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 3 |
| 06.10.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 06.10.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 06.10.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 7 |
| 06.10.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 8 |