module specification

This is a module which provides students with an understanding of basic cell structures and an awareness of different cell types and relates the structure and activities of cell components to their functions and to cellular activities as a whole.

The aim of this module is to ensure you will develop key skills and knowledge in:

1. Understanding some of the key questions of cell biology concerning cell structure and intracellular activities;
2. Aspects that relate to practical experiences in a range of laboratory-based biological techniques;
3. Aspects that will enable you to manage yourself and to develop organisational and analytical skills which are applicable to the workplace;
4. The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

Entry Qualifications
Available for Study Abroad? NO

Cells and cell theory, the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the plasma membrane and organelles. Nucleus, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. Intracellular trafficking, cell communication, cellular junctions, cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix (LOs 1-3)

The cytoskeleton. The prokaryotic cell-structure/function, principles of cell membrane transport and cells and energy (mitochondria and chloroplasts) (LOs 1-3).

Learning will be delivered by lectures, tutorials and practicals and through weblearn-assisted formative sessions (40 hours)
Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject matter through teacher led activities in the form of lectures and problem-solving tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical exercises. The ability to undertake scientific and ethical appraisal of data will be encouraged through directed reading and tutorial discussions. Students will be expected to reflect upon taught material in order to demonstrate their understanding of  cell biology, a process assisted by use of the extensive module website
Lectures will utilize a variety of sources using powerpoint presentations to link content such as animations, video documentary and lecturer led demonstrations involving students.
Tutorials will consolidate the foundation learnt in lectures but will seek to link the content to the impact of modern cell biology on medicine and agriculture in a social and cultural context in the modern day environment.
Practicals  will allow students to perform a range of experiments safely, critically analyse their results and present these in an appropriate manner. These sessions will give students the opportunity to develop and refine their critical, analytical and writing skills. Practicals will be assessed both summatively and formatively.  The initial formative sessions will allow students to reflect on their practical skills and their ability to critically analyse experimental results and present these in an appropriate manner.
Weblearn-assisted sessions will also seek to link the module content to the impact of modern cell biology on medicine and agriculture in a social and cultural context in the modern day environment but in a wider context than covered in the lectures in an aim to encourage self-directed learning.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

1. Relate the structure and activities of cell components to their functions and to cellular activities as a whole, and have an appreciation of how cell fractionation is used to isolate these components;
2. Describe the different ways in which cells can divide and demonstrate an awareness of how genetic information is passed between generations;
3. Discuss how energy is generated and utilized within a cell.

The module will be assessed by means of a coursework essay (50% of the overall mark) and an unseen examination consisting of short answer questions (1.5 hours, 50% of the overall mark). A minimum aggregate mark of 40% will be required to pass the module. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

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