Module Descriptors
CELL BIOLOGY
BIOL40378
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Stephen Merry
Email: S.Merry@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 32
Independent Study Hours: 118
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- REPORT weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Resources
? Networked PC?s with the current student image.
? University Library and the Sciences Learning Resource Centre.
? Teaching room with appropriate audiovisual aids.
? University Library and the Sciences Learning Resource Centre.
? Teaching room with appropriate audiovisual aids.
Module Texts
Campbell, N.A. and Reece, J.B. (2002). Biology. Pearson Education Inc., San Francisco.
Jones, A.M., Reed, R. and Weyers, J.D.B. (2002). Practical Skills in Biology. Pearson Education Ltd, Harlow.
Jones, A.M., Reed, R. and Weyers, J.D.B. (2002). Practical Skills in Biology. Pearson Education Ltd, Harlow.
Module Learning Strategies
Contact hours will be used to highlight specific important topics within the module (12 x 2 hrs of lectures), to develop your practical skills (4 x 2hrs of practicals), to provide feedback regarding progress through the use of individual exercises and discussion groups, and to provide guidance concerning the assessments. Independent study time will be devoted to a programme of guided reading based on text books, articles in popular science journals and internet resources together with the analysis and interpretation of practical findings and preparation for the assessments.
Module Indicative Content
The nature of cells will be investigated at four levels; each larger than the previous one.
1. Study of the components of cells will include the chemical composition and properties of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Within this component will be consideration of the relationship between chemical composition and physical properties extending, in the case of proteins, from amino acid composition to amino acid chain folding and aggregation of protein subunits in quaternary structures.
2. Study of the processes that occur within cells including the role of molecules as energy sources, enzymes, transporters, receptors and structural entities. Within this component will be consideration of the basic principles of metabolism.
3. Study and comparison of the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Within this component will be consideration of the benefits of the localisation of particular cellular functions and the specific roles of the various sub-cellular components of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells together with their relationships e.g. how they contribute to energy transduction or protein synthesis and secretion.
4. The concept of cellular differentiation and how it has contributed in the evolution and embryonic development of multi-cellular organisms. Within this component will be considered the structure and role of cellular junctions and the concept of gene expression.
1. Study of the components of cells will include the chemical composition and properties of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Within this component will be consideration of the relationship between chemical composition and physical properties extending, in the case of proteins, from amino acid composition to amino acid chain folding and aggregation of protein subunits in quaternary structures.
2. Study of the processes that occur within cells including the role of molecules as energy sources, enzymes, transporters, receptors and structural entities. Within this component will be consideration of the basic principles of metabolism.
3. Study and comparison of the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Within this component will be consideration of the benefits of the localisation of particular cellular functions and the specific roles of the various sub-cellular components of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells together with their relationships e.g. how they contribute to energy transduction or protein synthesis and secretion.
4. The concept of cellular differentiation and how it has contributed in the evolution and embryonic development of multi-cellular organisms. Within this component will be considered the structure and role of cellular junctions and the concept of gene expression.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
1) One 1200-word report based on the practical sessions. (3, 4)
Weighting 50%
2) One 2-hour exam comprising a mixture of short answer and essay questions. (1, 2 & 4)
Weighting 50%
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via
The inclusion of in-class exercises and discussion, virtual exercises and the opportunity to complete and submit draft work to obtain tutor written feedback
1) One 1200-word report based on the practical sessions. (3, 4)
Weighting 50%
2) One 2-hour exam comprising a mixture of short answer and essay questions. (1, 2 & 4)
Weighting 50%
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via
The inclusion of in-class exercises and discussion, virtual exercises and the opportunity to complete and submit draft work to obtain tutor written feedback