Universidad de Jaén

Theory
1. THE CELL. The cell as the structural and functional unit of live. The cell theory.
2. CELLULAR MEMBRANES. Structural and functional model of the cell membrane.
3. NUCLEUS AND NUCLEOLUS. Structure and function.
4. RIBOSOMES AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS. Ribosomes as the structural basis of protein synthesis.
5. ENDOMEMBRANE SYSTEMS. The endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and rough). Golgi complex. Lysosomes. Vacuoles.
6. MITOCHONDRIA, PLASTIDS and PEROXISOMES. The structural basis of energetic metabolism.
7. CYTOSKELETON. Centrioles. Microfilaments. Intermediate filaments. Cilli. Flagella.
8. THE CELL CYCLE. Concept and regulation.
9. ANIMAL EMBRYOGENESIS. The origin of tissues. Embrionic sheets.
10. AN INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL TISSUES. Epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissue
11. NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SENSORY ORGANS. An overview of the nervous system. Cell types. Nerves. The synapse.
12. MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL SYSTEM. Cartilage and bones. Osification. Muscular histology.
13. CIRCULATORY AND LYMPHOID SYSTEM. General organization, microscopical structure and function of vessels.
14. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. General organization and microscopical structure.
15. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. General organization and microscopical structure.
16. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. General organization and microscopical structure.
17. EXCRETORY SYSTEM. General organization and microscopical structure.
18. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. General organization and microscopical structure.
19. TEGUMENTS. General organization and microscopical structure.
20. PLANT EMBRYOGENESIS. The origin of plant tissues.
21. AN INTRODUCTION TO PLANT HISTOLOGY. General organization and microscopical structure of plant tissues.
22. PLANT ORGANS. General organization and microscopical structure.

Practical sessions
Session 1. The optical microscope. Basic staining of tissues.
Session 2. Cellular organelles. Vacuoles, chromoplasts, amyloplasts and crystalline inclusions.
Session 3. Staining plant tissues and organs.
Session 4. Staining the Golgi apparatus. Histochemistry of the nucleus and nucleolus.
Session 5. Staining collagen. Spectrophotometric quantification.
Session 6. The histology of the nervous system. Microscopical examination of tissue sections.
Session 7. Microscopical examination of muscle.
Session 8. Microscopical examination of bones. Ossification.
Session 9. Microscopical examination of vessels (circulatory system).
Session 10. Microscopical examination of lymphoid organs.
Session 11. Microscopical examination of endocrine organs.
Session 12. Microscopical examination of the gastrointestinal tract I.
Session 13. Microscopical examination of the gastrointestinal tract II.
Session 14. Microscopical examination of the respiratory system.
Session 15. Microscopical examination of the excretory system.
Session 16. Microscopical examination of the reproductive system.
Session 17. Microscopical examination of teguments.
Session 18. Microscopical examination of plant root.
Session 19. Microscopical examination of plant stem.
Session 20. Microscopical examination of plant leaves.
Session 21. Microscopical examination of plant embryo and reproductive structures.

Lab sessions including wet-lab procedures in Cellular Biology and Histology, and diagnosis of histological sections. Seminars: Seven reports focused on given issues of the program contents using web based multimedia approaches with on-line assessments. On-line tutorials.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

Three continuous assessments of the theoretical contents, with a possible additional assessment in June to those students with a final mark under 5 (over 10) at any of them. Continuous assessment of the practical contents and seminars, with a final written presentation. Assesment of the microscopical examination of tissue sections. Practical sessions are mandatory.