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227-0945-10L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-INFK , D-ITET
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Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers II

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Christian Frei
This course is part II of a two-semester course. Knowledge of part I is required.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:55:08

Abstract

The course gives an introduction into cellular and molecular biology, specifically for students with a background in engineering. The focus will be on the basic organization of eukaryotic cells, molecular mechanisms and cellular functions. Textbook knowledge will be combined with results from recent research and technological innovations in biology.

Objective

After completing this course, engineering students will be able to apply their previous training in the quantitative and physical sciences to modern biology. Students will also learn the principles how biological models are established, and how these models can be tested.

Content

Lectures will include the following topics (part I and II): DNA, chromosomes, genome engineering, RNA, proteins, genetics, synthetic biology, gene expression, membrane structure and function, vesicular traffic, cellular communication, energy conversion, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cellular growth, apoptosis, autophagy, cancer and stem cells. In addition, 4 journal clubs will be held, where recent publications will be discussed (2 journal clubs in part I and 2 journal clubs in part II). For each journal club, students (alone or in groups of up to three students) have to write a summary and discussion of the publication. These written documents will be graded and count as 40% for the final grade.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Scripts of all lectures will be available.

Literature

"Molecular Biology of the Cell" (6th edition) by Alberts, Johnson, Lewis, Morgan, Raff, Roberts, and Walter.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
All scripts, slides and notes from the lectures are allowed. Text book, computers and other electrical devices are not allowed.The examination may take place on the computer.
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
The two written documents of the journal clubs count as a compulsory continuous performance assessment (obligatorisches Leistungselement). This assessment must be passed on its own (grade average of 4.0 and above) and counts as 40% to the final grade of the semester course.For the annual course all four compulsory continuous performance assessments combined count 40% to the final grade.Usually, this course will be examined as an annual course at the end of the spring semester.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers II
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (ETZ F 91)
2 h weekly

Offered In