Course Details

Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
1BENG508ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY3+0+037,514.05.2025

 
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Master's Degree
Department / Program BIOENGINEERING
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course To acquire in depth understanding and advanced knowledge of a range of general and specialized areas in cell biology.
To develop insight into the complexities of cell structure and function, the molecular controls that govern the cells’ dynamic properties, and cellular interactions with the organism as a whole.
Course Content This course tackles the cellular biology of higher organisms. Knowledge of the structure, function, and formation of cellular membranes and organelles, in addition to cellular growth and oncogenic transformation will be covered throughout the course. Also, this course will cover transport, receptors, and cell signaling; the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and cell movements; chromatin structure and RNA synthesis. The course focuses on the interaction of the cells its social context that includes its neighboring cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the soluble mediators.
Course Methods and Techniques This course is delivered using a student-centered teaching approach designed to promote deep conceptual understanding, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary integration, in accordance with the Bologna Process. Through structured and interactive lectures, students will explore the structure, function, and dynamics of cellular membranes and organelles, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying cell growth, oncogenic transformation, intracellular transport, receptor activity, and signal transduction. Theoretical instruction will be complemented by problem-based learning strategies and case study analyses to foster independent thinking and contextual understanding of key cellular processes. Topics such as the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, chromatin organization, RNA synthesis, and cell movement will be examined with an emphasis on their functional interplay and relevance to complex biological systems. The course will also focus on how cells operate within a multicellular environment, highlighting interactions with neighboring cells, soluble mediators, and the extracellular matrix. Group work and collaborative projects will encourage discussion, peer learning, and the development of academic communication skills. Students will engage with current scientific literature and digital learning tools to reinforce the material and support autonomous learning. Regular discussion sessions, student presentations, and guided feedback will further enhance students’ ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate scientific knowledge effectively. Guest lectures from experts in the field may also be integrated to expose students to contemporary research and advanced cellular biology applications.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator Asist Prof.Dr. EMEL BAŞAK GENCER AKÇOK emelbasak.gencerakcok@agu.edu.tr
Name of Lecturers Asist Prof.Dr. EMEL BAŞAK GENCER AKÇOK
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources 1. Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts, B; Johnson, A; Lewis, J; Raff, M; Roberts, K; Walter, P. Garland Science, 6th edition 2. Essential Cell Biology, Alberts, B; Bray, D; Hopkin, K; Johnson, AD; Lewis, J, Raff, M; Roberts, K; Walter, P; 4th edition
Course Notes 1. Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts, B; Johnson, A; Lewis, J; Raff, M; Roberts, K; Walter, P. Garland Science, 6th edition
2. Essential Cell Biology, Alberts, B; Bray, D; Hopkin, K; Johnson, AD; Lewis, J, Raff, M; Roberts, K; Walter, P; 4th edition
Documents canvas
Assignments canvas
Exams sınıf içi

Course Category
Science %100

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Yarıyıl İçi Çalışmalarının Başarı Notunun Katkısı 1 % 15
Quiz/Küçük Sınav 3 % 25
Proje/Çizim 1 % 25
Final examination 1 % 35
Total
6
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Ev Ödevi 5 7 35
Sınıf İçi Aktivitesi 3 4 12
Kısa Sınav 3 6 18
Araştırma 12 1 12
Kişisel Çalışma 14 2 28
Ders dışı çalışma 14 2 28
Yüz Yüze Ders 14 3 42
Final Sınavı 1 20 20
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 7,5 195

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Describe the advanced knowledge about cell biology, structure and function of cellular compartments
2 Critically analyze the scientific evidence underlying our current understanding of cellular processes
3 Elaborate the principles of intracellular signaling including the individual components of intracellular signaling pathways from receptor-ligand interactions to modulators to second messengers to effectors as well as signaling events associated with cell cycle, cell growth (cancer), cell senescence and cell death (apoptosis)
4 Discuss how the dysregulation of cellular processes may lead to some diseases

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction of the cell & function
2 Membrane Biology
3 Proteostasis
4 Secretory pathway
5 Trafficking of Membrane Receptors
6 Cytoskeleton
7 Mitochondria
8 Nuclear dynamics
9 Epigenetics
10 Signal transduction networks
11 Cell cycle
12 Development of multicellular organisms
13 Immune system

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12
C1 5 5 3 5 3 4 5 5 4 5 3 5
C2 5 5 5 5 3 4 5 4 4 4 3 5
C3 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 2 5
C4 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 3 5

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant

  
  https://sis.agu.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/progCourseDetails.aspx?curCourse=77925&lang=en