VM0146, Biochemistry and cell biology, 14.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2025-11-11
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Veterinary Medicine

Grading Scale

Pass / Fail

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course teaches the basics of the cell, its processes and metabolism, as well as provides an introduction to the study of animal behaviour, animal husbandry and handling of farm animals.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• describe the molecules and cells that comprise the body's various tissues;
• describe the metabolism of cells and the whole body and discuss this in relation to different physiological states;
• on a basic level show knowledge on animal husbandry and handling of horses and livestock;
• describe how animal husbandry and handling affect the natural behaviour of animals, with a focus on the knowledge in ethology needed by the professional veterinarian.

Content

Subject-related content
The course comprises the structure of the eukaryote cell, molecular mechanisms, functional characteristics and the cells’ interaction with their surroundings, such as cellular transport mechanisms, signal transduction, how normal cell growth and differentiation are regulated and the basis for malignant transformation. Furthermore, the structure and function of biological macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids) and enzymology are studied.

In addition, basic genetic mechanisms (genome structure, replication, transcription), RNA processing, translation, regulation of gene expression, as well as metabolism of the cell and the whole body, and metabolic regulation.

Professional development includes practical sessions connected to animal husbandry, and ethology comprises descriptions of how animal husbandry affects the natural behaviour of animals, thus providing students with the chance to understand how this affects animals. The students are introduced to methods used to assess animal behaviour and they will reflect upon cases taken from clinical and practical conditions.

Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: Theoretical components based on lectures, group discussions and independent study. Practical activities include laboratory sessions and other exercises. There are also teaching activities with live animals.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Information literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, scientific methods, digital competence, use of technology, oral communication, written communication, collaboration, time management.

The following components are compulsory:
Certain exercises and group discussions.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written exams and approved participation in compulsory components.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Veterinärprogrammet

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Biochemistry and cell biology, part 1	6.0	0001
Biochemistry and cell biology, part 2	7.5	0002
Ethology for veterinarians part 1	0.5	0003
Professional development – basic large animal handling	0.5	0004

The Course Replaces

Parts of VM0052

Other Information

Teaching in English may occur.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.