BIO4025 - Cell Biology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

LO1 - Understand the structure of cells including their various cell compartments plus their function.

LO2 - Evaluate the differences and similarities between cells from different organisms and tissues.

LO3 - Perform a range of practical cell biology skills.

LO4 - Discuss the factors concerned with the growth, survival, and death of cells.

Content:

This module will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of cellular biology, encompassing the structural and functional features of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. An extensive range of human cell types will be examined, in addition to stem cells and their specialisation. The module will explore the structure and function of cellular organelles, the cell membrane, the cell cycle, and the process of cellular division. The contributions of distinct cell types to tissue function and the human anatomical structure will also be covered.

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; the cell as the fundamental unit of life; stem cells and cell specialisation.

- Clinical Laboratory Specialisms for Cellular Pathology are introduced in the module.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A series of 10 x 2 hr lecture sessions will deliver the key concepts of cell biology.
A total of 5 x 2 hr practical sessions will be given to introduce you to key cell biology and histology practical techniques.
A total of 10 x 1 hr tutorials will be provided to support the lecture and practical content, assessments, and general wellbeing.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Practical sessions
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Tutorials
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Max 15

Guided independent study
Hours: 110

Further Detail 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 laboratory competency tests will take place in the exam weeks of Semester 1. You will be set a series of practical tasks within the laboratory from this module, Systems Biology and Biomedical Skills modules. Laboratory skills, including data analysis, will be assessed by the staff during the test with marks available for evidencing specific laboratory skills detailed in a marking scheme specific for the set tasks. There will be a mock laboratory competency test offered in advance of the final assessment to allow you to prepare for the end of Semester test.

The essay assessment will provide you with the opportunity to discuss, in greater depth, the characteristics of specific cells from a range of tissues and identify associations between the cellular structure and its function.

You should refer to the Module Handbook for full details of marking criteria.

Assessment:

001 Essay; 1500 words; Mid-semester 1 50%
002 Laboratory competency test; 1hr; End of semester 1 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Margarita Gomez Escalada
Level - 4
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S1

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