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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Understand the structure of cells including their various cell compartments plus their function.
Evaluate the differences and similarities between cells from different organisms.
Perform a range of practical cell biology and microbiological skills.
Describe the structure and life cycle of microorganisms including the transmission of genetic material between them.
Discuss the factors concerned with the growth, survival, and death of cells and microorganisms.
Explain the mechanisms by which microorganisms cause disease.
This module will introduce students to the cell, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. This module will cover the structure of human cells of all types, including stem cells and cell specialisation. The structure and function of organelles within cells plus the multiple functions of the cell membrane will be covered. The cell cycle and the process of cell division will also be covered. The role of cell types within tissues and links to human anatomy will be covered. The structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses will be covered. The mechanisms of gene transfer and microbial growth and survival will also be covered. The role of microorganisms in disease, the treatment of such disease and the bacterial response to antibiotics will be covered. Laboratory practicals will cover microscopy plus associated staining techniques to allow visualisation of cells plus microorganisms. Laboratory sessions to look at measuring cell activities and functions plus identifying types of microorganisms by their growth characteristics plus responses to chemicals including anti-microbial drugs will be performed.
The content of this module has been mapped to the IBMS QAA Benchmark requirements for:
- Cell Biology, including structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; cell division; cell cycle; cell as the fundamental unit of life; stem cells and cell specialisation.
- Microbiology, including structure, physiology and biochemistry of microorganisms; identification and classification of microorganisms; control of microorganisms, including the roles of normal flora.
- Clinical Laboratory Specialisms for Cellular Pathology and Medical Microbiology, which are introduced in the module.
A series of 18 x 2h lecture sessions covering the key concepts of cell biology and microbiology will be used, split equally between the two semesters. A total of 15 x 2h practical sessions will be used to introduce students to key cell biology and microbiology techniques, with 5 cell biology practical sessions in semester 1 and 10 microbiology practical sessions in semester 2. A total of 10 x 1h tutorials will be used to support the Lecture teaching plus assessments.
Lectures
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort
Practical sessions
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort
Tutorials
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Max 20
Guided independent study
Hours: 224
Further details relating to assessment
Post lecture, tutorial and practical session activities submitted through Moodle will facilitate ongoing formative assessment opportunities via lecturer or peer feedback.
The Cell Biology Exam will take place in the exam weeks of Semester 1 as a closed book examination and will involve students being set a series of questions about the key concepts of cell biology covered in the first semester of the teaching, including practical sessions.
The Microbiology practical portfolio will be set at the start of Semester 2 with students informed which practical sessions undertaken during Semester 2 have been selected and the subject areas related to the portfolio. The assessment is based on students answering questions, drawing cells or microorganisms and analysing data generated in each of the selected practical sessions. Questions and data to be analysed will be set as part of each of the selected practical sessions and students will be required to complete the answers to the questions plus data analysis as guided independent study and then submit a portfolio of the completed work from all of the selected practical sessions at the end of semester 2.
Other Information
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) professional body requires students to achieve a pass mark in all assessment components for modules that cover the clinical laboratory sciences subject areas including this one. Since laboratory practical sessions contribute towards assessments these sessions should be considered compulsory. Condonement/compensation will not be permitted for this module, that contributes significantly to the benchmark statement and have learning outcomes that students achieve that cannot be evidenced elsewhere for the accreditation of the degree.
Module Coordinator - Margarita Gomez Escalada
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL