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Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:06
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: 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, 3 journal clubs will be held, where recent publications will be discussed. For each journal club, students (alone or in groups of up to four students) have to write a summary and discussion of the publication. These written documents will be graded and count as 30% for the final grade.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Scripts of all lectures will be available.
Literature
"Molecular Biology of the Cell" (7th international student edition) by Alberts, Heald, Johnson, Morgan, Raff, Roberts, and Walter.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 150 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.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers |
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), .)
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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Track: Systems and Control (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Systems and Control", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
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Track: Biomedical Engineering (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Biomedical Engineering", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Biomedical Engineering" but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
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