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DEGREE IN – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

FIRST YEAR -COURSES IN ENGLISH 26510 - CHEMISTRY 1st year Theoretical an d 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 . 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 . 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

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 – FUNDAMENTAL S 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 “”. 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.

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

6.3 Area of a plane figu re. 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 an d practical contents (2015 -16) THEORETICAL LESSONS : Part I [3 units] 5 h. ORIGIN AND OF LIFE: PREBIOT IC CONDITIONS AND . 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 . 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. , PROKARYOTIC AND EUKARYOTIC CELLS. DIVERSIFICATION AND DIFFERENTIATION. Unit 4. Protocells. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 4.1.-Protocells: Self-organization of organic molecules. 4.2.- Anaerobic prokaryotes: early . 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 . . 4.6. Origin of multicellularity. Cell aggregates. Cell types.

Part III [2 units] 4 h. ACQUISITION OF THE INTRA-CELULLAR ENVIRONMENT. CELLULAR AND ORGANIZATION. RELATED STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS.

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

Unit 5. Levels of biological organization. Acquisition of the intra-cellular environment: . 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. . 6.3.-Vital processes in animals. 6.4.- and . in plants and animals. 6.5.-Embryology.

Part IV [4 units] 5 h FUNCTIONAL 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 . 7.2 How has the human species affected to natural processes? 7.3 Application of Ecology to the environmental crises: the crisis. Causes. Global Change 7.4.-Biosphere, biomes, regions, landscapes and other . Unit 8. Organisms in physical environments (I). 8.1.- -environment relations. The autoecological perspective inside the . 8.2.-Limiting factors: Limit of tolerance. Physiological and ecological optimum. “Eury-” and “steno-” organisms. 8.3.-Concept of niche and . Generalist and specialist species. 8.4.-Adaptability and . Ecotypes. Unit 9. Organisms in physical environments (II). 9.1.- Environmental factors as a Unit 10. Ecosystems over time. 10.1.-Interactions in 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. , biological effectiveness and adaptation. 11.4. Evolutionary interactions: sexual selection and Coevolution. 11.5 Micro and

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

Macroevolution. . Unit 12. Definition of species. Models and mechanisms of 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 and . 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: 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 – 1st year Theoretical an d 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 (10 h.) 2.1. Mendel and the basic principles of inheritance 2.1.1. Patterns of single- inheritance (1 h.) 2.1.2. Independent transmission of . (1 h.) 2.2. The chromosomal basis of inheritance 2.2.1. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic (1 h.) 2.2.2. : 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 . (1 h.) 2.4. Gene interactions and gene-environment interactions 2.4.1. Interactions between of the same gene. 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. 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 (7 h.) 4.1. The molecular nature of the gene

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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. . (1 h.) 4.2.1. . 4.2.2. . The . 4.3. Gene . (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. GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (5 h.) 5.1. . (1 h.) 5.1.1. Genetic structure of populations. 5.1.1.1 Variation in natural populations. 5.1.1.2. and frequencies. 5.1.2. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model (1 h.) 5.2. Evolutionary genètics 5.2.1. Evolutionary forces. 5.2.1.1. 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 . 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 – I Th eoretical an d practical contents (2015 -16) THEORETICAL LESSONS : B 1. INTRODUCTION.

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

T 1. Introducti on. 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 . 2.1. Amino acids. 2.2. Peptides. Primary structure determination. 2.3. Three-Dimensional structure and function of proteins. T 3. . Catalysis and kinetics. 3.1. Characteristics of biological catalysts. 3.2. Enzyme catalysis. 3.3. Enzyme kinetics. 3.4. Enzyme regulation. T 4.. 4.1. Monosaccharides. 4.2. Oligosaccharides. 4.3. Polysaccharides. 4.4. Glycoconjugates. T 5. . 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. T 7. Structure and function of nucleic acids.7.1. . 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. 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 an d practical contents (2015 -16) THEORETICAL LESSONS : Part I (PI): INTRODUCTION 1.1. 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

Unit 3 (U3): Concept and general characteristics of the " not cellular biological objects " (Orgel CITROENS): viruses, viroids, plasmids, transposable elements, , etc. Concept of cell. The origin of life and the appearance of cells. Cell types attending to the storage of the (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, , 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, , 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.

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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. 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 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. . 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 an d practical contents (2015 -16) Ch1. - . 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 an d 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 / W ORK 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 - 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 . 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 . 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 (ba cteria, 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 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 – 2nd year Theoretical an d 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 accomplish ing

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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 ) 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 w ith 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 - 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. 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, 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. by bacteriophages. Formation of bald spots of Lysis. 26526 – BIOCH EMISTRY II 2nd year Theoretical an d practical contents (2015 -16) THEORETICAL LESSONS BLOCK 1: INTRODUCTION AND CON CEPTS 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 A ND 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 . 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 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. 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 AN D CLASSIFICATION SYS TEMS

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. . 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

representation in our flo ra . 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 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

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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

Theoretical Skills CE3: Understand and apply mathematical and statistica l 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. Po pulation 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 . 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

specific functions of the different famili es. 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 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

T 5. electrophoresis. Southern blotting (1 h) T 6. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Applications (1 h) B. 4: and genomics (5.5 h) T 7. Recombinant DNA strategies (3.5 h) T 8. Sequencing of genes and (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 ( 20 15 -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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

1.2.1 B asic 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 S TRUCTURE -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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 3rd year SYSTEMS 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, preparatio n 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

PART I: CULTURE OF A NIMAL 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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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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DEGREE IN BIOLOGY – COURSES IN ENGLISH (2015-16)

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 PRACTICAL S PART I: CULTURE OF A NIMAL 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.

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