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Cell biology, Histology I

Course developer

Prior knowledge

VeteB002, Anatomy of the Domestic Animals I

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to provide an understanding of the microscopic structure and functions of cells, tissues and organs of animal organisms. In the course students learn the basics of histology: history of histology, basics of preparation of histological material, structure and functions of the cell, tissues and their characteristics. The course also examines the basics of embryology.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge - the student has mastered theoretical knowledge about the structure of the cell and its functions, for all types of tissues (epithelium, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue) and their significance, as well as the fundamentals of the body's embryonic development. There are 8 colloquia.
Skills - student is able to recognize, describe and explain the structure and specifics of cells and tissues (epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle and nervous tissue) seen in histological preparations using a light microscope.
Competences - the student is able to independently analyse, compare and evaluate histological preparations of cells and tissues. Understands the regularities of the construction of different cells and tissues and their functional significance.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. History of histology, histological research methods, basic principles of histological specimen preparation; work with a microscope - 2 h lectures, 2 h laboratory works.
2. Structure and functions of the cell - 2 h lectures, 4 h laboratory works.
3. Cell cycle, division (mitosis) and death of the cell; biological processes taking place in the cell; cell communication - 2 h lectures, 4 h laboratory works. 1st test - structure and functions of the cell, cell cycle, division (mitosis) and death of the cell.
4. Tissues, their classification; epithelial tissues; connective tissue - 2 h lectures, 4 h laboratory works. 2nd test - epithelial tissues, 3rd test - connective tissues.
5. Supportive tissue (cartilage, bone tissue); supportive tissue development - 2 h lectures, 4 h laboratory works. 4th test - supportive tissue (cartilage, bone tissue).
6. Blood, haematopoiesis - 2 h lectures, 4 h laboratory works. 5th test - blood, haematopoiesis.
7. Muscle tissue, nervous tissue - 2 h lectures, 4 h laboratory works. 6th test - muscle tissue, 7th test - nervous tissue.
8. Embryology - 4 h lectures, 8 h laboratory works. 8th test – embryology.

Requirements for awarding credit points

In the course, colloquia are graded with a mark. The cumulative exam grade can be obtained if all colloquia have been successfully passed (the student must be able to identify and describe a histological specimen under a microscope and must be able to answer at least 60% of the theory; to pass the colloquium, no significant errors may be made) and all laboratory work has been completed. The cumulative exam grade is calculated as the average grade of all the colloquia. If the student is not satisfied with the cumulative exam grade, they have the right to take an exam on all the material covered in the course.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independent work is accomplished by obliging students to prepare answers to specific questions independently for each colloquium. Independent work performance is controlled during the response to the colloquia; its questions are included in the exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Colloquia are assessed by pass/fail. To qualify for the final grade of the course, all tests must be successfully completed (student must be able to identify and describe a histological specimen under a microscope, as well as to answer at least 60% of the theory; to pass the colloquium, there must be no significant mistakes).

Compulsory reading

1. Brūveris Z. Veterinārās histoloģijas pamati. Rīga: Medicīnas apgāds, 2015. 528 lpp.
2. Bacha W.J., Bacha l. M. Color Atlas of Veterinary Histology. Philadelphia ... [etc.]: Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, 2000. 318 p.

Further reading

1. Selga T. Šūnu bioloģija. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 344 lpp.
2. Dālmane A. Histoloģija. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. Rīga, 2004. 319 lpp.
3. Dālmane A. Histoloģijas atlants. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. Rīga, 2005. 304 lpp.
4. Eurell J.A, Ffrappier B. L. (ed.). Dellmann's textbook of veterinary histology, 6th ed.. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.

Notes

Compulsory course of second cycle professional higher education study programme Veterinary Medicine.