module specification

A core module which provides learners 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 second half of the module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically it aims to expose learners to some of the key questions of cell biology concerning cell structure and intracellular activities. Provide learners with practical experience in a range of laboratory-based biological techniques. Enhance learners' ability to manage themselves and to develop organisational, critical and analytical skills which are applicable to the workplace.
Learners must obtain at least 40% to pass this module. In addition learners must normally obtain at least 35% in each component of assessment within this module. A mark of between 35% and 39% may be compensated by other components.

Entry Requirements

Cells and cell theory,
Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
The plasma membrane
Organelles
Nucleus, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis
Intracellular trafficking, cellular junctions, cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix
The cytoskeleton
Cell communication
The prokaryotic cell-structure/function
Principles of cell membrane transport
Cells and energy (mitochondria and chloroplasts)
Safe working practices, including the selection of appropriate hazard control and risk management, reduction.
Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment.

Learning will be delivered by lectures, tutorials and practicals and through weblearn-assisted formative sessions. Learners 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. Writing skills will be enhanced through the production of a seen essay on a topical issue. The ability to undertake scientific and ethical appraisal of data will be encouraged through directed reading and tutorial discussions. Learners 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 (24 hours) will utilize a variety of sources using powerpoint presentations to link content such as animations, video documentary and lecturer led demonstrations involving learners.
Tutorials (8 hours) 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 (14 hours) will allow learners to perform a range of experiments safely, critically analyse their results and present these in an appropriate manner. These sessions will give learners oppurtunity to develop and refine their critical, analytical and writing skills. Practicals will be both summative and formative. The initial formative sessions will allow learners to reflect on their practical skills and their ability to critically analyse experimental results and present these in an appropriate manner.
Weblearn-assisted session in the first part of the module will 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.
Learners will have opportunity to learn with and from learners from other learners studying human sciences and/or human nutrition.

On successful completion of this module the learners 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. Perform a range of experiments safely, critically analyse the results and present these in an appropriate manner.
   3. Discuss how energy is generated and utilized within a cell.

This module will be assessed by will be assessed by means of coursework tutorial portfolio (2000 words) (50% of the overall mark) and time-constrained class test consisting of short answer questions (1 hour)(50% of the overall mark)
Learners must obtain at least 40% to pass this module. In addition learners must normally obtain at least 35% in each component of assessment within this module. A mark of between 35% and 39% may be compensated by other components. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

Component                    Marks             Learning outcomes
Tutorial portfolio (2000 words)            50%                  1,3
Online exam (1 hour)                          50%                  1,2

Alberts B., Bray D., Lewis J., Raff M., Roberts K. and Watson J.D. (2009).  Molecular Biology of the Cell, (5th edition). Garland, London, New York.
Jones A., Reed R., and Weyers, J. (2007). Practical Skills in Biology. 4th edition Prentice Hall.
René Fester Kratz. (2009). Molecular and Cell Biology for Dummies (1st edition).  Wiley Publishing.