Set of Diploma Courses I: Biology and Biochemistry of the Visual System
Field of study: Physics
Programme code: W4-S2FZ19.2025

Module name: | Set of Diploma Courses I: Biology and Biochemistry of the Visual System |
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Module code: | W4-FZ-OM-S2-2-25-05E |
Programme code: | W4-S2FZ19.2025 |
Semester: | summer semester 2025/2026 |
Language of instruction: | Polish |
Form of verification: | course work |
ECTS credits: | 3 |
Purpose and description of the content of education: | The module focuses on education in the field of biology and biochemistry of the visual system, covering issues related to the functioning of the eye, processes occurring in the visual system and biochemical and neurobiological mechanisms related to vision. Participants of the module gain knowledge about the structure of the eye, physiology of the visual system, biochemical processes related to vision and processing of visual stimuli by the nervous system. Laboratory classes enable practical application of this knowledge, including experiments related to the assessment of the influence of various factors on the cells of the visual system and analysis of histological preparations.
Training content:
1. Eye anatomy – the structure of the eye, including the cornea, lens, retina, choroid, vitreous body, and optic nerve.
2. Physiology of the visual system – processes occurring in the eye, such as light refraction, colour perception, accommodation, and the mechanisms of transmitting light stimuli to the brain.
3. Biochemistry of the visual system – chemicals and enzymes involved in the vision process, such as rhodopsin in photoreceptor cells, and the role of vitamins (e.g. vitamin A).
4. Neurobiological mechanisms – how the visual impulse is processed by the nervous system, from photoreceptors in the retina to analysis in the visual cortex of the brain.
5. Vision diseases and disorders – including retinal degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and cancers related to the visual system.
The module is in the form of lectures and laboratory exercises. During the lecture, students will become familiar with theoretical aspects of the biology and biochemistry of the visual system. Laboratory classes allow for gaining practical skills in the analysis of the influence of various factors on the visual system, including:
1. Evaluation of the effect of axorbitan on oxidative stress and cell viability.
2. Analysis of UV radiation-induced DNA damage.
3. Assessment of cell response to proinflammatory factors – gene expression analysis.
4. Evaluation of histological preparations of the eye.
After performing the experiment, the student presents a report, which is assessed and includes a theoretical introduction to the problem, methodology, description of the study, analysis of results and their interpretation. To obtain a positive assessment, the student must present a well-developed report, demonstrating the correctness of the experiment and the ability to analyze the results and draw conclusions.
The module ends with a graded assessment based on a test or assignment. |
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): | not applicable |
Learning outcome of the module | Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5] |
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Possesses knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the visual system, including the structure of the eye and the mechanisms responsible for the vision process, such as light refraction, accommodation and color perception. [E1] |
KF_W02 [4/5] |
Knows the biochemical mechanisms related to vision, including the role of rhodopsin and other chemical compounds and enzymes in processes occurring in photoreceptor cells. [E2] |
W_OOD [4/5] |
Understands the neurobiological basis of visual impulse processing – from photoreceptors in the retina to the analysis of visual signals in the visual cortex of the brain. [E3] |
W_OOD [3/5] |
Is able to conduct laboratory experiments in the field of biology and biochemistry of the visual systems. [E4] |
KF_U05 [3/5] |
Is able to analyse and interpret the results of laboratory experiments, draw conclusions about the functioning of the visual system and its response to various factors. [E5] |
KF_U07 [3/5] |
Knows the ethical foundations of research work in the context of the biology and biochemistry of the visual system and adheres to the principles of professional ethics when carrying out laboratory experiments and research. [E6] |
W_OOD [3/5] |
Searches, selects, analyzes, evaluates, and classifies information using various sources and methods. [E7] |
KF_U09 [4/5] |
Understands the need for further education, performs self-assessment, is able to supplement and improve acquired knowledge and skills; is able to work in a team, communicate with the environment in the workplace and outside it. [E8] |
KF_U17 [2/5] |
Form of teaching | Number of hours | Methods of conducting classes | Assessment of the learning outcomes | Learning outcomes |
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lecture [FZ1] | 15 |
Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] |
course work |
E1 |
laboratory classes [FZ2] | 15 |
Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01] |
course work |
E4 |
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular: | ||
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Name | Category | Description |
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] | Preparation for classes | reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes |
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] | Preparation for classes | reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class |
Developing practical skills [a03] | Preparation for classes | activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation) |
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] | Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes | reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content |
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] | Preparation for verification of learning outcomes | exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class |
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] | Preparation for verification of learning outcomes | a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course |
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] | Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes | reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes |
Attachments |
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Module description (PDF) |
Syllabuses (USOSweb) | ||
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Semester | Module | Language of instruction |
(no information given) |