Course syllabus for Human tissue biology

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-06 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameHuman vävnadsbiologi
  • CodeBBT085
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKBIO
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyBioengineering
  • ThemeMTS 1.5 c
  • DepartmentLIFE SCIENCES
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 48126
  • Maximum participants80
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0126 Laboratory 2 c
Grading: UG		 2 c
0226 Project 1.5 c
Grading: UG		 1.5 c
0326 Examination 4 c
Grading: TH		 4 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

Basic courses in cell- and molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular metabolism and microbiology

Aim

The Human Tissue Biology course provides a molecular and cellular understanding of how human tissues are structured, organised and function. It builds on previous knowledge in cell biology, biochemistry and microbiology and deepens the understanding of the structure and regulation of multicellular organisms at the molecular level.
The course covers the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tissue differentiation, cell communication, cell adhesion and developmental biological processes. A central focus is on human histology — the structure and function of the body's four main types of tissue: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue.
The course is closely linked to studies in anatomy and physiology and complements these by providing a molecular and cellular perspective on the structure and regulation of tissues.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
  • Describe the basic mechanisms of cell-cell communication, cell-cell adhesion, and cell-matrix interaction.
  • Explain the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the development, differentiation, and function of human tissues.
  • Identify and describe the structure and function of the four basic tissue types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
  • Interpret histological images and relate structural properties to physiological function.
  • Describe and apply basic molecular biological and histological methods for analysing tissue structure and cell function.
  • Explain the principles behind key experimental techniques in molecular tissue biology, including, for example, analysis of receptor-ligand interactions.
  • Solve biological problems linked to experimental data introduced in the course..
  • Integrate previous knowledge in cell biology, biochemistry and microbiology to understand the structure and interaction of tissues at the molecular level.
  • Read, analyse, present and discuss scientific literature within the subject area of the course.
  • Give scientific presentations and participate in and contribute to scientific discussions with constructive opposition.
  • Discuss the societal and ethical implications of research within the course subject.

Content

The course covers the fundamental biological principles behind multicellularity and how cells interact to form functioning tissues and organisms. The focus is on the molecular mechanisms that control multicellularity, including transcriptional regulation, signalling networks and developmental programmes that control cell differentiation and function.
Furthermore, cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix are discussed, as well as their importance for cell cohesion, shape and mechanical properties. The course also addresses how cells communicate with each other and how this communication contributes to the regulation of tissue organisation and homeostasis.
An important part of the course is histology, where the structure and function of tissue types are studied, as well as the relationship between tissue architecture and biological function. The basic principles of the immune system are introduced in relation to tissue biology, with a focus on how immune cells interact with tissues under normal and pathological conditions.
The course also highlights the evolution of multicellularity and the biological innovations that enabled the transition from single-celled to multicellular organisms. To develop the students' scientific skills, the course includes elements of scientific communication, with literature seminars conducted in a mini-conference format. The course also includes laboratory work that provides practical experience of methods in the field.
The laboratory course is a central part of the course and includes microscopy and identification of tissue samples. Another element is experiments using the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Students will follow signalling, adhesion and differentiation processes under a microscope and test the effect of various inhibitory substances on these processes.
The laboratory sessions are compulsory and aim to link theoretical knowledge to practical application, develop scientific understanding and communication skills. Safety and ethical aspects permeate the entire laboratory component.

Organisation

The course includes lectures focusing on topics covered in the book Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et al., seventh edition. The aim of the lectures is to highlight particularly important topics and clarify the content of the exam and course literature. The lectures are not compulsory. The course also includes a mini-conference, where students work in groups. The groups are assigned scientific literature that they will present to their classmates. Participation in group work and the mini-conference is compulsory. The course also includes laboratory exercises where attendance is compulsory. Teaching is in Swedish and course literature is in English.

Literature

The literature consists mainly of Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts et al., 7th edition) and selected scientific articles.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined by:
  • Written exam (4 hp)
  • Mini-conference and presentation (1,5 hp)
  • Obligatory laboratory excercises (2 hp)

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.